If you’re trying to quit smoking, you’re not alone; according to an article published by U.S. News and World Report, more than 46 million Americans who smoke are interested in quitting. Unfortunately, for many of these individuals, kicking the habit is no easy task. The same study revealed that most individuals who attempt to quit smoking, especially without the aid of an effective cessation program, fail 95 percent of the time. The primary reason why many people find quitting difficult is largely due to the nicotine that is used to manufacture most brands of cigarettes. For those who are not familiar with nicotine, it is a chemical that contains nitrogen. It also acts as a stimulant in that it speeds up the messages that travel between the brain and body. That said, the properties in nicotine are often more addictive than those found in other illicit substances. For this reason, many individuals will turn to rehab facilities to help them overcome their addiction to nicotine, which, in turn, makes it easier for them to quit smoking.
HOW DO REHAB FACILITIES HELP INDIVIDUALS OVERCOME NICOTINE ADDICTION?
The first thing to note when it comes to nicotine addiction is that, like any other addiction, it is a disease. That aside, most rehab facilities offer substance abuse treatments that are designed to address the physical and psychological aspects of one’s dependence on the substance. And these treatments can take place in either an inpatient or outpatient program, many of which include addiction counseling and medication-assisted detox if needed. Some of the prescription-based medications used to help individuals cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms as they go through detox include Chantix and Zyban. However, many facilities will also offer non-prescription alternatives, some of which include the following:
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine lozenges
- Nicotine nasal spray
- Nicotine oral inhaler
- Nicotine patch
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR NICOTINE ADDICTION
Along with being physically addicted, many individuals are also psychologically dependent on nicotine as well. For that reason, many rehab facilities in America will offer the following types of behavioral therapy:
Motivational interviewing – Also commonly referred to as MI, motivational interviewing is a type of behavioral therapy whereby a licensed therapist will work with individuals to help them move past any ambivalence they may have relative to quitting smoking. This form of behavioral therapy not only promotes self-efficacy but also helps individuals feel more confident about overcoming their addiction to nicotine.
Mindfulness – This approach to behavioral therapy teaches individuals how to recognize the thoughts and cravings that can lead to them smoking again and how to better cope with them. In short, while attending mindfulness-based counseling sessions, individuals are taught to find more constructive ways to deal with negative emotions instead of lighting up a cigarette.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This approach to behavioral therapy is very similar to mindfulness in that it teaches individuals how to cope with triggers that would otherwise lead to them smoking again. However, it also helps individuals identify the factors that caused them to start smoking in the first place. In many cases, this realization can help strengthen an individual’s resolve to quit smoking for good, especially if they are taking prescription nicotine cessation medication. The same also applies to nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gums, patches, or sprays, for example. To further put this into context, studies show that individuals who took part in just six CBT-based sessions had better quit rates compared to those who did not or those who relied on smoking cessation treatments alone.
WHAT SMOKING MAY BE COSTING YOU
While it is no secret that smoking negatively affects your health, it can also be financially draining. To further put this into perspective, the average pack of cigarettes is $6.28, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). So if an individual smokes one pack each day, they will be spending more than $2,000 per year. It is important to note that the cost associated with smoking-related illnesses is even more staggering. To help put this into perspective, the healthcare cost associated with treating smoking-related illnesses in America is over $300 billion per year, according to a separate study published by the CDC. Some of the illnesses that are caused by smoking include heart disease, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and vision problems, such as cataracts.
BOTTOM LINE
In summation, smoking can have a profound impact on both your health and finances. And while quitting is difficult, it is not impossible, especially with the help of a licensed rehab facility. To learn more about smoking cessation treatments or to find a rehab facility in your area, consider reaching out to one of our friendly and knowledgeable associates today at 833-610-1174.