Three Strategies Proven to Control Nicotine Addiction

Frank T. Leone, MD, MS, associate professor of medicine, is director of the Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program at Penn Medicine.

Here are a few strategies that have been proven to make it easier to control nicotine addiction. Whether you are a smoker yourself, or someone who cares about someone who smokes, try having an honest discussion about the problem, and find help that addresses the following.

Ask for help from a pro

Avoid the temptation to do it on your own. There are lots of resources out there to help people get this done. Community quit classes, research-based quit programs that look into novel approaches, telephone quit lines, even Internet resources. Find something that fits your style and use it to its fullest potential. Programs that integrate the power of cessation medications with experienced “problem-solving” support represent your best odds for comfortable quitting.

Walk, don’t run, to the finish line

Most smokers are in such a hurry to quit, that they stop the medicines way too early. There is no such thing as a time limit when it comes to healing the biology of the brain. Talk to a doctor who is willing to tailor the medication duration to meet your needs. Stopping the medications before you’re ready has been shown to frequently lead to relapse. Typically, you should expect to be on treatment for three to 12 months.

Sometimes, one medicine just isn’t enough

Sometimes, the medicine you start with gets you most of the way there, but you just can’t cross the finish line. Using combination medications has been shown to increase your odds of comfortable quitting by a lot. Build an approach to medications that meets your needs.

Call us if we can help you or someone you know, even if you don’t feel ready to quit. We’re happy to answer questions and discuss options with you and your loved ones. No hassle. No pressure. Just help.

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