There are just as many approaches to helping a smoker quit smoking that there are smokers. Indeed, smoking is a behavior determined by multiple factors specific to each individual including personality, psychological balance, social environment, etc. Therefore, the approach to quitting smoking can only be custom.

Medical resources help to:

• rebalance brain chemistry gradually causing dopamine receptors to be satisfied with normal production: nicotine patches and other drugs;
• undo behavioral mechanisms (more or less aware) by which the cigarette has become inseparable from everyday life: counseling and other support resources.

To rebalance brain chemistry

There are 2 categories of pharmaceutical products that facilitate the weaning : nicotine replacement products and drugs that affect mood.

Nicotine replacement products

The following products release a certain amount of Nicotine in the body. They can be obtained over the counter from pharmacies or by prescription (for example, Habitrol® and Nicoderm® transdermal patches, the Nicorette® product line, and Thrive® lozenges). Treatment normally lasts 10 to 12 weeks. The dose of nicotine is gradually adjusted downward, until it stops completely.

THEabstinence total of the cigarette and other products of tobacco is necessary during such treatment in order to avoid nicotine overdose.

• Transdermal patch. As it releases nicotine gradually, the patch has the advantage of providing a regular and measurable supply of nicotine. It is generally suggested to use it 16 hours a day;
• Chewing gum. With this product, the ex-smoker can decide when he will ingest nicotine, which allows him to act immediately on his cravings. However, many people are bothered by the taste of gum or do not like to chew. The product may cause irritation of the mucous membranes;
• Lozanges. Tablets which, as they dissolve in the mouth, release nicotine, which is absorbed by the mucous membranes;
• Nasal spray. Nicotine gets to the brain faster with the nasal spray than with the patch or gum. The downside of the vaporizer is that it is not as convenient to use as an eraser or patch;
• Inhaler. The inhaler is designed like a cigarette. The person sucks in the nicotine into a tube. This product is useful for people who find it difficult to break the habit of putting their hand to their mouth. A disadvantage is that the inhaler must be used frequently to provide a sufficient dose of nicotine. It can also cause irritation in the mouth and throat.

All of these substitutes are much less damaging to the body than real tobacco. In particular, they are devoid of the carcinogenic elements generated by the combustion of tobacco and present little risk of addiction.

Medication

These drugs can be obtained by prescription.

Bupropion (Zyban®). In the mid-1990s, a new step was taken in the treatment of smoking. The first drug without nicotine appeared on the market: bupropion, an antidepressant marketed under the brand name Zyban®. It acts on dopamine receptors. It was also the first product that could be taken as a tablet. There are contraindications to the use of bupropion as well as potential side effects.

Varénicline (Champix®). This medication acts on nicotine receptors located in the brain and reduces the feeling of pleasure felt when smoking a cigarette. It comes in tablet form. By binding the nicotinic receptor, varenicline causes a weaker pleasure response, while preventing the “real” nicotine from attaching to the receptors (in case of relapse). It was introduced to the Canadian market in 2007 and is indicated for use in adults in conjunction with a counseling program.

To undo behavioral mechanisms

Personalized counseling and support

The various programs set up by clinics or community organizations mainly offer psychological approaches cognitive-behavioral type, where the emphasis is on modifying the individual’s relationship with cigarettes. Although it is difficult to scientifically assess the effectiveness of these approaches, most official anti-cancer agencies tabagisme report that cessation programs that incorporate counseling are more effective. In addition, those engaged in such a process would derive great satisfaction from it.¹⁰.

We can also say that, to a lesser extent, the moral and psychological support ofa relative can play the role of counseling.

Moreover, recent studies indicate that the addition ofphysical activity daily (even short-term) counseling program would reduce the desire to smoke by acting on the psychological components of addiction^11,12. Exercise also helps maintain a stable weight. Stopping smoking often results in a slight weight gain : cigarette smoking causes the body to burn more calories and the ex-smoker can compensate by eating more.