Jan 19

Stop Smoking: “SNL” Spoofs the Prescription of Chantix

You can stop smoking with nicotine replacement strategies such as the “patch”—or not. Recent research into the attempts of real smokers to quit seems to show that these 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.

You can also stop smoking with the prescription of medications—or not. From WebMD: The drug Chantix has been shown to be “an effective way for smokers to kick the habit without resorting to taking nicotine in other forms, according to two new studies.”

How does it work? “It acts at sites in the brain affected by nicotine to do two things: It mimics the effects of nicotine to help stave off cravings and, when used with nicotine, it blocks some of the reinforcing, pleasurable effects of smoking.”

A common course of treatment is 12 weeks, or longer if needed.

Below is a recent Saturday Night Live parody (with Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader) of an ad for Chantix. 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.

Dec 30

“30 Rock” Therapy: Jack Role-Plays Tracy’s Shrink

Coworkers. Often they become kind of a second family—and sometimes they feel as or more important than your real one. If you’ve had some time off for the holidays, perhaps you’re missing them. If so, try the following episode of sitcom 30 Rock on for size. You’ll appreciate the 30 Rock therapy scene.

On this sitcom about the production of a sketch comedy show similar to Saturday Night Live, Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) is often both troubled and troubling to those around him. But he still seems loved and appreciated for who he is.

In one episode from Season Two titled “Rosemary’s Baby,” his boss, Jack (Alec Baldwin), brings in a therapist to offer some needed assistance to Tracy regarding his relationships with his (real) family. The shrink, however, clearly isn’t up to the formidable task that is Tracy. Nor does she know (how to handle) Jack.

30 Rock therapy described in Wikipedia: “…Jack role-plays Tracy’s father, Tracy, and Tracy’s mom, among several other people from Tracy’s childhood, conveying the message that even though Tracy’s parents may have divorced, they still loved him. This comforts Tracy, and affirms that while he loves his family, they are crazy, and he needs to stay away from them. Tracy hugs Jack, and tells him that he is the only family he needs.”

Watch the scene below:

Some Featured Favorite Quotes on IMDB

Tracy Jordan: I don’t need the therapy! I’m just mentally ill!

Tracy: [to his psychiatrist] Who’s crazier, me or Ann Curry?

Tracy’s Father: Tracy, don’t stare directly at the sun. It’ll make you crazy. Tracy Jordan: You’re not my dad!

Wikipedia offers a sampling of reviews, which I’m providing in bullet format:

  • ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ was named as one of the ‘Top 11 TV Episodes of 2007’ by UGO
  • …ranked thirteenth on The Futon Critic‘s list of ‘the 50 Best Episodes of 2007’
  • Matt Webb Mitovich of TV Guide declared it as ‘one of 30 Rock’s best episodes ever
  • Bob Sassone of TV Squad…called the therapy scene “one of the funniest scenes…on TV this season”
  • Robert Canning of IGN…called the therapy scene “the best moment of the episode”