Recent research into the attempts of real smokers to quit seems to show that nicotine replacement strategies such as the “patch” may not be very effective in the long-term.
This is just one of the latest reports, so common in health-related news, that could leave consumers bewildered. After all, there are many who prefer this method. But let’s face it: smoking, just like any other type of addiction, doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all remedy. Each individual must look at the various options and then decide what might work best for him or her.
Besides nicotine replacement, the options include acupuncture, hypnosis, aversion therapy, and cold turkey, to name just a few.
Prescribed medications to aid in quitting smoking are also available and are quite popular. Below is a recent Saturday Night Live parody (with Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader) of an ad for Chantix, a real drug. Note: I present this as a general spoof of drug companies’ warnings about side effects and not as a potential disincentive to stop smoking using whatever methods feel appropriate for you.
ROS JOHNSON, LICSW
Psychotherapist and writer of the comic novel Minding Therapy and its film adaptation (not soon coming to a theater near you)