More Quitting Smoking Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Quitting Smoking
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Michael 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
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Smoking Cessation > Quitting Smoking > Does cold laser therapy really help you to kick the smoking habbit for good?
Expert: Michael Dean
Date: 9/2/2008
Subject: Does cold laser therapy really help you to kick the smoking habbit for good?
Question
I have tried nicatine patches and they don't work because I get weak when my friends smoke around me, so I was thinking about this new treatment and want to know if it really works. I saw this new treatment on the news and on commercial. Is this treatment as good as they say. I heard that the treatment last 30-45 min, and once your done with the treatment, you no longer want a cigarette. I know a lot of the other treatments offer support groups and consoling, but I heard this laser treatment, you don't need that because after the laser treatment, you never want to smoke again, I heard you don't even get weak when you are around cigarettes. Is this treatment a mirical cure, I heard it has a 85% success rate to kick the habit. What I want to know is can I go and pay the $300 and after 30-45 min. be smoke free forever without having to have will power, is this treatment an easy way out of smoking?
Answer
Dear Russell,
Cold laser therapy is in the category of alternative therapies that have not been rigorously scientifically tested. This ans hypnosis and acupuncture may work for some people, but we don't know how well they work.
Here is what the American Cancer Society says:
Cold laser therapy providers advertise this method as a way to help people quit smoking, and some TV stations have reported this as news. The treatment is supposed to relax the smoker and release endorphins (naturally-occurring pain relief substances) in the body to simulate the effects of nicotine in the brain, or balance the body’s energy to relieve the addiction. Despite claims of success by some cold laser therapy providers, available scientific evidence does not support claims that this is an effective method of helping people stop smoking.
So no I would not spend $300 on this. I would see your doctor about prescribing Chantix with/ or without Zyban.
Chantix is a drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban. The 2 together have a higher success rate than patches.
I'd also suggest you 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.
If you are in the US you 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.
Or for online resources:
http://smokefree.gov/
I have a site with info as well:
http://artsciencepub.com/quitting.htm
Let me know how this goes, I like to hear about individual responses. And feel to write back with other questions
Good luck,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
