Smoking cessation rates are not where people would like them to be. There are a number of reasons for this. Let's face it, smoking is addictive. Many people are predisposed to the addiction which makes it harder for them to quit. Others face pressures in their life and feel like smoking is a crutch for them, a type of coping mechanism. But whatever the cause of a person's failed quit attempt, the person should not stop trying. Each relapse should be followed by a period of evaluation. The smoker should ask the question, "Why did I relapse?". This learning experience can then be logged away for future quit attempts. Studies say that it can take up to 7 quit attempts before someone is successful.
There are few smoking cessation methods which focus on the behavioral component of the nicotine addiction. Support groups try to get to this, but few methods actually help with the day to day ritual of smoking cigarettes. Nicotine free inhalators are one stop smoking aid which tries to address this component of smoking. They are plastic devices that may be used as a substitute coping mechanism for the triggers which cue the smoking ritual.
A recent study looked at how these nicotine free inhalators may improve the quit attempt. It was published in the European Respiratory Journal by Capponnetto and others and is entitled, "Effect of a Nicotine Free Inhalator as Part of a Smoking Cessation Program" [May 2011].
They looked at 120 healthy smokers who were attending a smoking cessation program. They assessed numerous factors like physical dependence, depression, behavioral dependence and motivation. The study participants were put into two groups: 1) received a nicotine free inhalator and 2) reference group. THey were followed up at week 4 and 24.
Overall, they found no significant difference in the quit rates between those who received the inhalator and those who did not. But, for those with a high behavioral dependence, the quit rate was much higher in the inhalator group (67%) compared to the reference group (19%).
The researchers conclude that nicotine free inhalators may be a helpful tool for those trying to quit who have a strong behavioral or ritualistic manipulation/handling of the cigarette. So check them out if you think you have a strong tie to the handling of the cigarette. They just might help you quit.
