International Hypnosis Research Institute - Smoking Cessation

Hypnosis for smoking cessation: group and individual treatment-a free choice study.

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:54:00 -0500

Eighty-five smokers chose either a group or individual treatment using manualized hypnosis. Abstinence rates in group treatment at follow-up are 19.6% in comparison to 13.8% in individual treatment. This difference did not reach statistical significance. It is concluded that group treatment is as effective as the better established individual treatment and therefore can be seen as an alternative approach in smoking cessation using hypnosis. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2013 Apr;61(2):146-61. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2013.753824. Riegel B. Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. b.riegel@uke.de

The pharmacist "toolbox" for smoking cessation...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:56:00 -0500

Full title: The pharmacist "toolbox" for smoking cessation: a review of methods, medicines, and novel means to help patients along the path of smoking reduction to smoking cessation. Annually there are 500 000 preventable deaths in the United States caused by smoking; as health care professionals, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to advise, assess, and assist patients to quit smoking. This review article provides pharmacists with a "toolbox" containing an overview of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for smoking cessation. Currently approved over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion) are summarized, and nonpharmacologic therapies discussed include cognitive therapy and hypnosis. In addition to traditional therapies some potential approaches to smoking cessation are addressed, including nicotine immunizations and electronic cigarettes. J Pharm Pract. 2012 Dec;25(6):591-9. doi: 10.1177/0897190012460823. Wynn WP 3rd, Stroman RT, Almgren MM, Clark KJ. Department of Pharmacy Practice, South University, Columbia, SC, USA.

Group hypnotherapy versus group relaxation for smoking cessation: an RCT study protocol.

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:59:00 -0500

ABSTRACT:BACKGROUND: A significant number of smokers would like to stop smoking. Despite the demonstrated efficacy of pharmacological smoking cessation treatments, many smokers are unwilling to use them; however, they are inclined to try alternative methods. Hypnosis has a long-standing reputation in smoking cessation therapy, but its efficacy has not been scientifically proven. We designed this randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects of group hypnosis as a method for smoking cessation, and we will compare the results of group hypnosis with group relaxation. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to compare the efficacy of a single session of hypnosis with that of relaxation performed in groups of 8-15 smokers. We intend to include at least 220 participants in our trial. The inclusion criteria include smoking at least 5 cigarettes per day, not using other cessation methods and being willing to quit smoking. The intervention is performed by a trained hypnotist/relaxation therapist. Both groups first receive 40 min of mental preparation that is based on motivational interviewing. Then, a state of deep relaxation is induced in the hypnosis condition, and superficial relaxation is induced in the control condition. Suggestions are made in the hypnosis condition that aim to switch the mental self-image of the participants from that of smokers to that of non-smokers. Each intervention lasts for 40 min. The participants also complete questionnaires that assess their smoking status and symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline, 2 weeks and 6 months post-intervention. In addition, saliva samples are collected to assess cotinine levels at baseline and at 6 months post-intervention. We also assess nicotine withdrawal symptoms at 2 weeks post-intervention. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this RCT is the first to test the efficacy of group hypnosis versus group relaxation. Issues requiring discussion in the outcome paper include the lack of standardisation of hypnotic interventions in smoking cessation, the debriefing of the participants, the effects of group dynamics and the reasons for dropouts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN72839675. BMC Public Health. 2012 Apr 4;12:271. Dickson-Spillmann M, Kraemer T, Rust K, Schaub M. Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Konradstrasse 32, 8031 Zurich, Switzerland. maria.dickson@isgf.uzh.ch.

Use of the target group index survey to evaluate the cigarette smoking profile in Saudi Arabia.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:05:00 -0500

OBJECTIVE: To draw a profile, and study the media habits for cigarette smokers in Saudi Arabia using the Target Group Index survey (TGI). METHODS: A household survey using the TGI sample was conducted in March 2008 in 21 cities in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 7003 individuals aged 15 years or more, male and females, living in town and cities, were randomly selected using the multistage sampling technique. One individual per household was interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering socio-economic profile, media exposure, and cigarette consumer information. The study was conducted in Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Cigarette smoking was 35.9% in males, and 2.3% in females. This was significantly higher in the age group 30-49 years compared with younger ages (p=0.001). Among smokers, 22.3% were heavy smokers, 69.3% were using regular flavor cigarettes, and 22.4% tried to quit smoking but failed. The most common methods of quitting smoking were; nicotine gum (18.5%), hypnosis (14%), nicotine patch (8%), and acupuncture (3%). Ninety-eight percent of the smokers watched TV daily, noticed mainly big outdoor ads, and 46% used the Internet daily. Favorite TV and radio channels, newspaper, magazine, and interesting topics for the smokers were recorded, and the main smoker profile was drawn. CONCLUSION: The TGI can be used to draw a smoker profile and identify different segments with the greatest opportunities to send anti-smoking messages. Saudi Med J. 2011 Oct;32(10):1055-9. Albedah AM, Khalil MK, Khalil AA, Elolemy AT. Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11176, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The challenge of smoking cessation

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:57:00 -0500

by Tim Brunson, PhD Why does anyone still smoke? Just about everywhere you go nowadays you see signs that clearly state that smoking is not allowed. Yet despite all of the sanctions, taxes, peer pressure, and with over 440,000 deaths every year in the US, there remain millions of hardcore tobacco users who just don't seem to want or be able to stop this habit. [More]

Hypnosis Session - Actual Session for Stop Smoking

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:18:00 -0500

An investigation of smoking cessation video content on YouTube.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:03:00 -0500

(Editor's Note: The author's of this article fail to substantiate their statements regarding the ineffectiveness of the techniques demonstrated in the referenced videos. It is surprising that this article survived the proper peer-review and was accepted by Substance Use & Abuse. My concern about the accuracy of the article does not imply that additional documentation regarding case studies and the need for more peer-reviewed scientific articles regarding the use of hypnosis for smoking cessation.) This study examines smoking cessation content posted on youtube.com. The search terms "quit smoking" and "stop smoking" yielded 2,250 videos in October 2007. We examined the top 100 as well as 20 randomly selected videos. Of these, 82 were directly relevant to smoking cessation. Fifty-one were commercial productions that included antismoking messages and advertisements for hypnosis and NicoBloc fluid. Thirty-one were personally produced videos that described personal experiences with quitting, negative health effects, and advice on how to quit. Although smoking cessation content is being shared on YouTube, very little is based on strategies that have been shown to be effective. Subst Use Misuse. 2011;46(7):893-7. Richardson CG, Vettese L, Sussman S, Small SP, Selby P. School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. chris.richardson@ubc.ca

Effects of a mindfulness-based smoking cessation program for an adult...

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 15:55:00 -0500

Full title: Effects of a mindfulness-based smoking cessation program for an adult with mild intellectual disability. Smoking is a major risk factor for a number of health conditions and many smokers find it difficult to quit smoking without specific interventions. We developed and used a mindfulness-based smoking cessation program with a 31-year-old man with mild intellectual disabilities who had been a smoker for 17 years. The mindfulness-based smoking cessation program consisted of three components: intention, mindful observation of thoughts, and Meditation on the Soles of the Feet. A changing-criterion analysis showed that this man was able to fade his cigarette smoking from 12 at baseline to 0 within 3 months, and maintain this for a year. Follow-up data, collected every 3 months following the maintenance period, showed he was able to abstain from smoking for 3 years. Our study suggests that this mindfulness-based smoking cessation program merits further investigation. Res Dev Disabil. 2011 May-Jun;32(3):1180-5. Epub 2011 Feb 1. Singh NN, Lancioni GE, Winton AS, Singh AN, Singh J, Singh AD. American Health and Wellness Institute, Verona, VA, USA. nnsingh@ahwinstitute.com

Stop smoking easily with hypnosis - amazing 95% success!

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:59:00 -0500

High expectation in non-evidence-based smoking cessation interventions among smokers-

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:48:00 -0500

Full title: High expectation in non-evidence-based smoking cessation interventions among smokers-The Colaus study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the preferred methods to quit smoking among current smokers. METHOD: Cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in Lausanne between 2003 and 2006 including 988 current smokers. Preference was assessed by questionnaire. Evidence-based (EB) methods were nicotine replacement, bupropion, physician or group consultations; non-EB-based methods were acupuncture, hypnosis and autogenic training. RESULTS: EB methods were frequently (physician consultation: 48%, 95% confidence interval (45-51); nicotine replacement therapy: 35% (32-38)) or rarely (bupropion and group consultations: 13% (11-15)) preferred by the participants. Non-EB methods were preferred by a third (acupuncture: 33% (30-36)), a quarter (hypnosis: 26% (23-29)) or a seventh (autogenic training: 13% (11-15)) of responders. On multivariate analysis, women preferred both EB and non-EB methods more frequently than men (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.46 (1.10-1.93) and 2.26 (1.72-2.96) for any EB and non-EB method, respectively). Preference for non-EB methods was higher among highly educated participants, while no such relationship was found for EB methods. DISCUSSION: Many smokers are unaware of the full variety of methods to quit smoking. Better information regarding these methods is necessary. Prev Med. 2011 Mar-Apr;52(3-4):258-61. Epub 2011 Feb 17. Marques-Vidal P, Melich-Cerveira J, Paccaud F, Waeber G, Vollenweider P, Cornuz J. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), University Hospital Center and Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, 17 rue du Bugnon, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation.

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:57:00 -0500

BACKGROUND: Hypnotherapy is widely promoted as a method for aiding smoking cessation. It is proposed to act on underlying impulses to weaken the desire to smoke or strengthen the will to stop. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of hypnotherapy for smoking cessation. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Specialized Register and the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, SCI, SSCI using the terms smoking cessation and hypnotherapy or hypnosis. Date of most recent searches July 2010. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomized controlled trials of hypnotherapy which reported smoking cessation rates at least six months after the beginning of treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three authors independently extracted data on participant characteristics, the type and duration of the hypnotherapy, the nature of the control group, smoking status, method of randomization, and completeness of follow up. They also independently assessed the quality of the included studies.The main outcome measure was abstinence from smoking after at least six months follow up. We used the most rigorous definition of abstinence in each trial, and biochemically validated rates where available. Those lost to follow up were considered to be smoking. We summarised effects as risk ratios (RR). Where possible, we performed meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model. We also noted any adverse events reported. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven studies compared hypnotherapy with 18 different control interventions. There was significant heterogeneity between the results of the individual studies, with conflicting results for the effectiveness of hypnotherapy compared to no treatment, or to advice, or psychological treatment. We did not attempt to calculate pooled risk ratios for the overall effect of hypnotherapy. There was no evidence of a greater effect of hypnotherapy when compared to rapid smoking or psychological treatment. Direct comparisons of hypnotherapy with cessation treatments considered to be effective had confidence intervals that were too wide to infer equivalence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We have not shown that hypnotherapy has a greater effect on six-month quit rates than other interventions or no treatment. There is not enough evidence to show whether hypnotherapy could be as effective as counselling treatment. The effects of hypnotherapy on smoking cessation claimed by uncontrolled studies were not confirmed by analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Oct 6;(10):CD001008. Barnes J, Dong CY, McRobbie H, Walker N, Mehta M, Stead LF. School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Grafton Campus, Auckland, New Zealand. Update of: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD001008.

How to Quit Smoking by "Focusing on breathing"

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:01:00 -0500

by Suryanarayana Chennapragada I am sharing a proven technique called 'Focusing on breathing' to gradually get over the urge for smoking, without needing any other aids. How can I do it? Try the following modes and use whatever works for you. Keep eyes closed whenever possible. Don't try to change the pattern of breathing except for the '911 mode'. Let the pattern change on its own. [More]

The role of smoking cessation in the prevention of coronary artery disease

Tue, 04 May 2010 12:42:00 -0500

Smoking (tobacco addiction) is the most significant of the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Mistakenly described as a "habit" or "behavioral choice," the onset of tobacco addiction quickly follows the acquisition of an ability to inhale cigarette smoke and is reflected in a transformation of neurophysiologic function and nicotine-receptor density. Thereafter, comfort and a degree of neurophysiologic "equanimity" require the regular administration of nicotine. Smokers inhale thousands of other chemicals, many of which play critical roles in the initiation and accentuation of atherosclerosis by influencing vasomotor activity, vascular dysfunction, oxidation of lipids, atheroma development, and thrombosis. Smoking cessation is a priority in the management of any patient with cardiovascular disease. The benefits of cessation accrue rapidly in such patients and have a pronounced effect on the likelihood of disease progression, hospital readmission, and mortality. All physicians must be familiar with the principles of cessation practice and be able to initiate smoking cessation attempts. Pipe AL, Papadakis S, Reid RD. Minto Prevention & Rehabilitation Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, ON, Canada. apipe@ottawaheart.ca

Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients.

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:44:00 -0500

BACKGROUND: An admission to hospital provides an opportunity to help people stop smoking. Individuals may be more open to help at a time of perceived vulnerability, and may find it easier to quit in an environment where smoking is restricted or prohibited. Initiating smoking cessation services during hospitalisation may help more people to make and sustain a quit attempt. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of interventions for smoking cessation that are initiated for hospitalised patients. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group register which includes papers identified from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCINFO in January 2007, and CINAHL in August 2006 for studies of interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients, using terms including (hospital and patient*) or hospitali* or inpatient* or admission* or admitted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized and quasi-randomized trials of behavioural, pharmacological or multicomponent interventions to help patients stop smoking, conducted with hospitalised patients who were current smokers or recent quitters (defined as having quit more than one month before hospital admission). The intervention had to start in the hospital but could continue after hospital discharge. We excluded studies of patients admitted for psychiatric disorders or substance abuse, studies that did not report abstinence rates and studies with follow up of less than six months. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors extracted data independently for each paper, with disagreements resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-three trials met the inclusion criteria. Intensive counselling interventions that began during the hospital stay and continued with supportive contacts for at least one month after discharge increased smoking cessation rates after discharge (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44 to 1.90; 17 trials). No statistically significant benefit was found for less intensive counselling interventions. The one study that tested a single brief (<=15 minutes) in-hospital intervention did not find it to be effective (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.67). Counselling of longer duration during the hospital stay was not associated with a higher quit rate (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.29, eight trials). Even counselling that began in the hospital but had less than one month of supportive contact after discharge did not show significant benefit (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.31, six trials). Adding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) did not produce a statistically significant increase in cessation over what was achieved by intensive counselling alone (OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.35, five studies). The one study that tested the effect of adding bupropion to intensive counselling had a similar nonsignificant effect (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.79 to 3.06). A similar pattern of results was observed in smokers admitted to hospital because of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this subgroup, intensive intervention with follow-up support increased the odds of smoking cessation (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.15, 11 trials), but less intensive interventions did not. One trial of intensive intervention including counselling and pharmacotherapy for smokers admitted with CVD assessed clinical and health care utilization endpoints, and found significant reductions in all-cause mortality and hospital readmission rates over a two-year follow-up period. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: High intensity behavioural interventions that begin during a hospital stay and include at least one month of supportive contact after discharge promote smoking cessation among hospitalised patients. These interventions are effective regardless of the patient's admitting diagnosis. lnterventions of lower intensity or shorter duration have not been shown to be effective in this setting. There is insufficient direct evidence to conclude that adding NRT or bupropion to intensive counselling increases cessation rates over what is achieved by counselling alone, but the evidence of benefit for NRT has strengthened in this update and the point estimates are compatible with research in other settings showing that NRT and bupropion are effective. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD001837. Rigotti NA, Munafo MR, Stead LF. Massachusetts General Hospital, General Internal Medicine Unit, S50-9, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. nrigotti@partners.org

Self-reported smoking cessation activities among Swiss primary care physicians.

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:55:00 -0500

BACKGROUND: Individual counselling, pharmacotherapy, and group therapy are evidence-based interventions that help patients stop smoking. Acupuncture, hypnosis, and relaxation have no demonstrated efficacy on smoking cessation, whereas self-help material may only have a small benefit. The purpose of this study is to assess physicians' current clinical practice regarding smokers motivated to stop smoking. METHODS: The survey included 3385 Swiss primary care physicians. Self-reported use of nine smoking cessation interventions was scored. One point was given for each positive answer about practicing interventions with demonstrated efficacy, i.e. nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, counselling, group therapy, and smoking cessation specialist. No points were given for the recommendation of acupuncture, hypnosis, relaxation, and self-help material. Multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a good practice score, defined as >or= 2. RESULTS: The response rate was 55%. Respondents were predominately over the age of 40 years (88%), male (79%), and resided in urban areas (74%). Seventeen percent reported being smokers. Most of the physicians prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (84%), bupropion (65%), or provided counselling (70%). A minority of physicians recommended acupuncture (26%), hypnosis (8%), relaxation (7%), or self-help material (24%). A good practice score was obtained by 85% of respondents. Having attended a smoking cessation-training program was the only significant predictor of a good practice score (odds ratio: 6.24, 95% CI 1.95-20.04). CONCLUSION: The majority of respondents practice recommended smoking cessation interventions. However, there is room for improvement and implementing an evidence-based smoking cessation-training program could provide additional benefit. BMC Fam Pract. 2009 Mar 25;10:22. Jacot Sadowski I, Ruffieux C, Cornuz J. Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Isabelle.Jacot-Sadowski@chuv.ch