WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | A new study compares smoking cessation therapies
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If you're trying to quit smoking, what's the best approach? A new study from the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention compared six therapies to determine what was most effective.
Jerry Shaver says hypnosis and herbal supplements helped him quit six years ago.
"This time I have absolutely no taste for cigarettes," said Jerry.
It didn't work for his wife Ginny. She's tried a variety of things. The prescription drug Chantix helped the most.
"I went for a couple of weeks without more than dozen cigarettes," said Ginny.
But the drug's side effects made her stop. Now she's trying the patch again.
"Unfortunately I love cigarettes," said Ginny.
Dr. Aldo Alamo with Lewis-Gale Physicians said most people who are nicotine addicted will need some kind of help.
The most recent study tested six therapies on 15-hundred adults, who smoked at least 10 cigarettes a day. They also received counseling sessions.
Six months later, the most effective treatment turned out to be the nicotine patch and lozenge combination.
Here is a breakdown of the percentage of people still smoke-free six months out.
Placebo 22.2%
Bupropion 31.8%
Bupropion + lozenge 33.2%
Nicotine Lozenge 33.5%
Nicotine patch 34.4%
Nicotine patch + lozenge 40.1%
"It's reasonable that the combination works better. There have been previous studies showing something similar," said Alamo.
But Dr. Alamo said people should know these medications aren't a long term fix. They just help in the beginning with nicotine withdrawal.
He also said the best approach may vary for different smokers.
"It's not just addictive; it's behavioral, social, and also actually there are some data on genetics," said Alamo.
Jerry thinks it's all about your mindset and that's why he believes he's been more successful than his wife. She admits she doesn't really want to quit.
"I want to want to," said Ginny.
Jerry said he'd like for her to quit, but he know it's her choice. He just hopes he never smokes again.
Dr. Alamo said, if someone can quit for at least a day, even if they relapse, they're more likely to be able to quit again.
