Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Alternative Medications For Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine has been scientifically proven to be a highly addictive substance. To make matters worse, smoking has been shown to be a sure-fire way to decrease the quality and years of your life. Smokers now more than ever are trying hard to kick the habit. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to smoking cessation. But for those with a lean toward alternative medicine, there are a variety of approaches to pick from.


Acupuncture


Acupuncture is one of the most well-known forms of alternative medicine. It consists of strategically placing tiny needles at various points of the body, often at critical pressure points, to help patients achieve a desired goal, such as weight loss, pain relief or smoking cessation. In the case of the latter, the needles, which are extraordinarily tiny, are placed within and around the patient's ear. This form of therapy often lasts about 20 minutes per session, with sessions continuing at a weekly frequency until the patient no longer has urges to smoke, or at the very least can ward off the impulses on sheer self-control alone.


Herbal Remedies


A number of naturally occurring herbs claim to help those dealing with both nicotine addiction and the withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking. Ginseng, an herb indigenous to Asia, has been shown to have multiple medicinal purposes, including an appetite inducer, a stimulant and a stress reliever. In the case of cigarette smokers, ginseng can prevent the release of dopamine that nicotine automatically triggers. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that provides a feeling of well-being and euphoria. It is this pleasurable release of dopamine that helps make nicotine highly addictive. St. John's wort, a plant extract, is best known for its treatment of depression. However, in some studies, it has been shown to help promote smoking cessation, especially when coupled with counseling. Another caveat with St. John's wort: It can be dangerous to take if you suffer from such pre-existing conditions as bipolar disorder, HIV and AIDS, liver disease and kidney disease. Lobelia, a flowering plant, is yet another herbal option for those seeking an alternative treatment for nicotine addiction. Lobelia increases dopamine levels in the brain, mimicking the effects of smoking. This may, for some, be a substitute for the real thing, or at least the pains of withdrawal.


Hypnosis


Hypnosis, or hynpotherapy, as the therapuetic application of the process is termed, has been thought to help assist those suffering from nicotine addiction. When seeking out a hypnotherapist, be sure your practitioner is a licensed professional. There are a number of hypnotherapy methods. The most commonly used form of hypnotherapy for nicotine addiction is behavioral hypnotherapy. Under this paradigm, the hypnotherapist puts the patient in a hypnotized state using meditative, calming techniques. Through the power of suggestion, often with the use of positive or negative imagery, the hypnotist attempts to alter the patients actions when in a fully conscious state.









Related posts



    Nicotine addiction is a dependence on the use of tobacco products that contain nicotine. Nicotine is derived from smoking pipes, cigars and cigarettes and other tobacco products. You can develop a...
    According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, smoking causes approximately 87 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Nicotine use also contributes to many other health problems, includin...
    Coping with chemical addiction can be extremely difficult if not appropriately treated. The choices for traditional treatment are wide and varied, and have a tendency to have negative side effects...
    Nicotine Addiction SymptomsNicotine, a drug found in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, is addictive. It changes the brain in ways that make users crave it more and more. Nicotine addiction is...
    Nicotine AddictionTeenagers are perhaps more susceptible to nicotine addiction than adults, particularly if they feel pressure to smoke from their peers. Adolescence is filled with stress and anxi...