AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 1/18/2008 Subject: are all treatments ineffective without willpower
Question Hello Dr, this is not for me but on behalf of a relative. In your considered opinion is it impossible for someone to quit smoking if they dont want to? The relative concerned has tried nicotine patches but said they didnt work. actually she was still smoking when she was using them. apparently they didn't take away the urge to smoke. anyway she is now talking about trying Zyban. I mentioned willpower because, i think if someone is using patches and still smoking, that is kind of defeating the object. I thought a nicotine substitute takes away the urge to smoke. Is it common for someone to still want to smoke when they are using patches? I dont know the mechanisms myself, i have never smoked and don't plan to.
Answer Dear Robert,
Thank you for your question. It is true that the single most important factor in successful quitting is the desire of the smoker to quit.
That being said there is also a tremendous variability in the strength of the addiction. The actual physical addiction to nicotine is typically not that strong, but the psychological pull is.
I'd suggest you and our relative read "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and you might find it useful. You or her should also call 1-800-QUIT-Now and find out about resources in your state. Some states provide free therapy and telephone quitlines, and these are useful.
There are a number of new drug therapies that are highly effective. Talk to your doctor about prescribing both Chantix and Zyban. Chantix is a new drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban. The two together work better than Zyban alone.
