Nicotine Addiction, Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a person can make – for themselves and those around them. The benefits of quitting smoking are significant: it decreases the risks of developing lung disease, heart disease, and some cancers. It can improve blood circulation, breathing, enhance the senses of taste and smell, and boost overall health. Located in the heart of Nassau County in Great Neck, NY, our smoking cessation treatment program includes several medication assisted treatments, either alone or in combination with nicotine replacement therapy. Quitting successfully requires determination, and more importantly, the right approach. At Lifeline Addiction Treatment Center, we understand the challenges of quitting and offer all the support individuals need to break free from nicotine addiction.
Our Smoking Cessation Program
Our program to target smoking addiction includes nicotine replacement therapy, FDA-approved medications, and behavioral therapies.
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): This may be used as a first line approach. It involves the use of the following nicotine delivery methods to replace the effects of nicotine obtained from smoking:
- Transdermal nicotine patch
- Nicotine nasal spray
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine lozenge
- Sublingual nicotine tablet
- Nicotine inhaler
These options are used to deliver a small controlled amount of nicotine to satisfy the person’s craving for nicotine and reduce the urge to smoke. A safe and effective strategy, NRT can:
- reduce general withdrawal symptoms
- lessen the rewarding effects of tobacco-delivered nicotine, and
- improve mood and attention
The prescribed nicotine replacement dosage will initially match the nicotine intake from smoking and then gradually reduced.
- Medications: We also use FDA-approved medications such as Chantix and Zyban to help adults quit smoking.
- Chantix (varenicline) helps reduce nicotine cravings by partially stimulating the nicotine receptors tricking the brain into thinking it is getting nicotine but it’s not. Chantix also lessens the symptoms of smoking withdrawal.
- Zyban (bupropion) stops the cravings by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Our addiction medicine expert will determine the most effective medication based on any medical condition(s) the person may have, history, and other medications they are taking.
- Behavioral treatments: Cognitive behavioral therapy is focused on changing and restructuring thought processes and developing new learning behaviors to help people effectively quit smoking and prevent relapse. The specific techniques we use include:
- Individualized addiction counseling
- Education about the quit process
- Identifying and avoiding smoking triggers
- Changing thinking patterns to cope with nicotine withdrawal
- Relapse prevention
At Lifeline Addiction Treatment Center, we recognize that each person’s needs are unique. We can develop a personalized smoking cessation plan to help keep you on track and quit successfully.
If you are motivated to overcome your nicotine addiction, we can support you through every stage of your quitting journey. Contact our Addiction Treatment Center in Great Neck, New York, today – call 516-482-4060.
