Smoking Cessation Community: Support Group

A new research study has recently been published in the journal Addiction, by Professor Ron...

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

A new research study has recently been published in the journal Addiction, by Professor Ron Borland and an international team of researchers which gives perhaps the best data on the smoking cessation process yet seen. This study conducted telephone interviews with approximately 2000 smokers in Australia, Canada, UK and USA each year from 2002 to 2008. They attempted to recall those who quit smoking in subsequent years, resulting in a sample of almost 22,000 people. At each interview, participants were asked detailed questions about their quit attempts both in the past and since their last interview. At the first wave of interviews, 82% reported having made a prior quit attempt, reaching 94% among those who participated in all 7 waves of interviews. 43% reported a quit attempt in the prior 12 months. Over a 5 year period, 69% of those starting as smokers had reported quit attempts of at least a month, and overall 16% managed to quit and remain quit for at least a year. The study shows that quit attempts are very common, with around 40% of smokers trying to quit each year, each making an average of 2 attempts per year. Thoughts of quitting that do not result in serious attempts are even more common, with an additional 30% of smokers having "serious thoughts" about quitting but not making a serious attempt. One other finding from this study is that smokers tend to forget their short-lived quit attempts, with 20% being forgotten within a year. Based on detailed analyses of their longitudinal data, the authors estimate that the average 40 year-old smoker who started smoking in their teens will have made more than 20 failed quit attempts. More than half of current smokers have succeeded in quitting for at least a month, and a majority of these for over 6 months.
This study, perhaps the most detailed of its kind, reminds us that quitting smoking is best conceptualized as a process requiring efforts, often repeated, over a long period of time, rather than as a single event.
Reference: Borland et al (2012). How much unsuccessful quitting activity is going on among adult smokers? Data from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Cohort Study. Addiction, 107, issue 3. P673-682.View Thread

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

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Smoking in Men Speeds Up Mental Decline!

Study: More Rapid Mental Decline Seen in Male Smokers, Not Females Feb. 6, 2012 -- Smoking is...

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

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Does Nicotine Replacement Therapy Help Smokers To ...

A new study has recently gained substantial media attention, with the authors claiming that...

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

A new study has recently gained substantial media attention, with the authors claiming that nicotine replacement may not help smokers to quit smoking. The study recruited 4991 smokers and recent ex-smokers via telephone survey in 2001 and 2002, and then again 2003-4 when 2805 (56%) were reached, and again in 2005-6 when 1916 were reached (38% of original sample). The study focused on those who at one of the first two interviews claimed they had quit smoking in the previous 2 years, and then were later interviewed again (728). The main finding was that the chances of relapsing were not significantly different between those who had previously used NRT to quit, either with or without professional counseling. The authors concluded that these results "raise serious questions regarding the population-level effectiveness of widely popular smoking cessation medications used with or without behavioral counseling." They then suggest that increases in insurance "coverage for individual treatment must not be at the expense of public health programs and policy interventions that have proven effective in promoting cessation."
There are many serious problems with this study (such as the low 38% overall follow-up rate), but the main problems lie with the misunderstanding of the purpose of tobacco dependence treatment and the misinterpretation of the data presented. Nicotine replacement therapy is currently marketed for short term use as an aid to smoking cessation. Counseling is similarly primarily conducted to help current smokers to successfully quit. Both of these interventions have been shown to increase the chances that smokers will successfully quit, but there is no evidence, from randomized controlled trials or population studies suggesting that after the medication or counseling has stopped that the relapse rate is dramatically different than from smokers who quit without treatment. So the benefit of treatment is of increasing the initial quit rates, meaning that even with similar relapse rates, there are more long term quitters. So for this study to ignore the first part, the "getting quit" and then focus on the second part, the "staying quit" and to find no difference is really unsurprising .
There are other surprising weaknesses in this report, including a failure to cite other population studies that fail to support the claimed findings of this study. For example, a population-based study published by West and colleagues in 2007 concluded that NRT use by smokers making self-initiated quit attempts without behavioral support is associated with improved long term abstinence rates. Amazingly the authors failed to cite recent population-based studies from their own state finding that use of a comprehensive tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy Medicaid benefit was associated with a significant decrease in smoking prevalence and claims for hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary heart disease .
So does this recent study show that NRT doesn't help smokers to quit? No. Despite the headlines, this wasn't even a study of whether NRT use helps smokers to quit. Rather it was a rather weak study of whether people who quit smoking a long time ago have a tendency to relapse long after. The sad reality is that relapse continues. But of course this is a long recognized characteristic of an addiction, not a new finding. So this study has little bearing on the solid evidence that nicotine replacement therapy helps smokers to quit, and that tobacco treatment remains one of the most cost effective healthcare interventions available.View Thread

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

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Join In On Our Community Talk Show!

Great Topic Today on Smoking! Smoke, But do it outside!

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

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Sore Throat & Excess Drainage

Is this something common and how long does it last?

Posted by An_242417

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Sleepless Nights

I've heard that it typically takes about 4 weeks for your sleeping habits to return to normal. Is this true?...

Posted by An_242417

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Emotional Effects?

What does one expect emotionally when they quit smoking and how long do these symptoms typically last? I...

Posted by An_242417

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Is father-in-law chewing again?

I hope you don't mind that this is not about me, but it's about my father-in-law. He was a "Red Man" (as...

Posted by WorriedOverFIL

I hope you don't mind that this is not about me, but it's about my father-in-law. He was a "Red Man" (as he called it) for 25+ years, and he decided that once his oldest grandson was born (my husband's and my son), he'd quit chewing tobacco. He tried the alternatives, and he's been successful I assume. He had a lapse a couple years back, and he's been trying to officially quit for four years now. Anyways, to get where I'm going with this, we are up at my in-laws for New Year's for a few days, and I noticed my father-in-law with a packet of some kind sticking out of his back pocket. I saw him put something from that packet into his mouth and begin to move it around. He spit a brown fluid out. He even took it out of his cheek with a couple fingers and threw whatever it was away.

I confronted him about it, and he said it was a chewing tobacco alternative. Not that I want to admit that my father-in-law might be concealing the truth, but I wouldn't let it go, so I researched a bit about it on-line. I found the cans, but I didn't find any alternative one that came in a bag. He wouldn't let me see the bag, so I went on what I remembered from seeing him do it earlier. The bag itself was dark green, with a white strip around the outside. To me, that's Red Man. Without seeing the whole bag, what little I saw looked like Red Man chewing tobacco. Without knowing much about any of the alternative products, I assume he's chewing again. He was defensive toward me, and when I told my husband about it, he said that his father's a grown man, and if he said it's not tobacco, then he believes him without having to ask him about it.

So yes, I'm too paranoid about it, because I want the man to quit chewing if he is indeed doing it again. But without much help from my husband, or him on the matter, I am here. And my next question is silly, but I want to ask it. Are there alternative chewing tobacco packets that look like a Red Man one? Are there in fact dark green packets that contain tobacco-free "chew"? Silly to ask, I know. Also, do those alternatives still make the person spit brown saliva, and do you have to take the "wad" of it out of your mouth? Or, is he just chewing again? Sorry for the long post, and probable paranoia. I just want to help my father-in-law to quit, if he is indeed doing it again.View Thread

Posted by WorriedOverFIL

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Odd Withdrawal Symptoms?

Hi, this is my first post, but I need some advice: I'm on day 5 of quitting smoking, using a nicotine patch...

Posted by HJS28

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Time to prepare for New Year Quitting

Are you planning to quit at the New Year? This is one of the most popular times to make a serious...

Posted by Jonathan Foulds, PhD

Take the Poll

When are you planning to quit?

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Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Chest Pain & Nervousness f...

Around early to mid December, I began a tapering process from a pack to a pack and a half a day down to 5...

Posted by pherring12

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quit smoking..

yes finally quit smoking..I've been smoked free for the past 5 months already.

Posted by An_242157

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I'm kinda biased :-)

Well guys as far as smoking goes I have to declare a personal interest here...I used to be a heavy smoker...

Posted by ecigdomaincom

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tobacco contents

What are the ingredients in "Mr. Cheap Guy" tobacco?

Posted by Antstaxi

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How to Live with a Family Member who Smokes

When I was about 7 or 8 years old, my mom's uncle used to smoke all the time. I used to try to get him to...

Posted by An_241836

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NewTalk Show Community!

Many members across a variety of WebMD communities enjoy a lively debate now and then. So we've...

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

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E-cigs helped me quit - 1 1/2 months without a cig...

If you're wondering about e-cigarettes, please research, and don't bother buying one that looks like a...

Posted by sweetz79

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The Great American Smoke out!

Today is The Great American Smoke Out Have you quit already? Did you pick a date to quit and...

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

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Questions about Chantix and Zyban

I am 25 years old, my mom reacently passed away with lung problem complications and I have been smoking since...

Posted by An_241379

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recent ex smoker

Dr. Foulds: Well, I am one of those idiots who decided to start smoking in college at 20. I am now 36 and...

Posted by An_241328

Dr. Foulds:

Well, I am one of those idiots who decided to start smoking in college at 20. I am now 36 and have been a heavy smoker the last 16 years. All in all, I am in good health, other than the smoking habit, and recently during a physical I had a bit of a scare as my doctor decided to share more details with me than my old physician ever had. I.E. some lung scaring (that could be caused from smoking or other things). Still it was enough to really get my attention as my father died of cancer at 61 which started in a scar, and my grandfather died of cancer at 67 which started in a scar. I'm going to guess I was a 28-32 pack year smoker.

So as I am a bit of a hypochondriac I went to an ear nose and throat specialist just to get checked out. As I really wish I would have quit at 26 (when I tried) or at 30 (when I tried again), I had a discussion with not only my GP, but my Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor and they both said one thing. Quit now, we never see anyone come back in with cancer if you quit now. Typically, we see a lot of people in their 50's who are chronic smokers in our offices a great deal.

Obviously, quitting will be a great thing, and as my family has not had a history of other cancers (just lung due to smoking), what are the opportunities for my body to heal and avoid cancer. There is one definitive fact in my family history, both my father and grandfather smoked when diagnosed, they smoked when sick, they died smoking. So, If I quit at 36 for good, what are the chances of my body recovering to that of a never smoker. I've been beating myself up for ever smoking in lieu of accepting the good news received from my doctor if I quit and being positive about the possibility of a longer life.

We know I am genetically predisposed to lung cancer if I smoke with my family history, but if a smoker stops in his 30's what are my chances of avoiding cancer if cessation occured at 36. I don't know a lot of old existing smokers, but I do know a great deal of old ex smokers who quit at my age or even in their 40's.

I am intending on eating right, exercising regularly, and most importantly not smoking. While I ask this question I know anything medically can happen due to genetics, etc. but what do you think about what I have mentioned on my family history, and quitting at 36. I just want to move forward quitting looking at a positive future, not beating myself up for a past I cannot change. What can I say, marriage is in my near future and I want to be around for sometime.

I am asking this question here, as many of the websites out there will have you convinced that you will die young either way, which is somewhat depressing!View Thread

Posted byAn_241328

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How long before Nicotine is out of system?

Can anyone (preferably a professional) tell me about how long it takes for Nicotine to clear out of the body?...

Posted by An_240820

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Smoking Cessation Help

I want to quit smoking & need help but want to make informed decisions. Here are my questions: Can I wear...

Posted by An_240681

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Where do I start here? Struggling

I quit smoking for 7 years. About 2 years ago, I started again. Now I have been struggling to quit. I was 27...

Posted by brown113

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I finnaly Quit

Two years ago I came to this board really wanting to quit smoking because my daughter said no way was the...

Posted by missshortyd

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Cigarettes Were Always a Known Health Risk, Even i...

History of Cigarettes and Your Health Take the quiz, lots of interesting history!

Posted by Chris_WebMD_Staff

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Need to quit.....

Okay, this is my first time here. I am looking for resources and information on quiting smoking. Like a post I...

Posted by carsonc2

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HELP! for friends!!!

Hello, I have two very good friends. They recently got married and unfortunately they both smoke. My male...

Posted by All_is_One

Hello,

I have two very good friends. They recently got married and unfortunately they both smoke. My male friend (will call Frank) has confided in me that he wants to quit. He is already experiencing problems for being so young. He has had plurosy in one lung and I believe stomach ulcers. He also has worries he may even have some form of cancer.

I think he is hypochondriatic too, so he might be over exaggerating some things, but I KNOW that over 2000+ chemicals, around 60 of which are known carcinogens, are activated everytime you light up a cig.

The female of the two (will call Lisa) has teeth problems like teeth chipping. She is only about 22. I'm sure she has other issues related to smoking as well.

I really worry about both of them. While Frank has displayed interest in quitting, Lisa is not so keen on it. She enjoys the act of smoking, but I think she might be interested in quitting.

The problem is also that they dont have insurance so he can't get chantix without paying a crap load of money. Also, they have tried e-cigs and they pretty much didn't work for them (literally, the devices broke). So they gave up on that.

Anyone ever read the book "A Child Called 'It' "? Well, his childhood was pretty similar to that. Crackhead mom, opiate addicted aunts and uncles, etc. He never had a solid loving family unit growing up. His only decent aunt on his mom's side was killed in a tragic car accident that wasn't even her fault. So I can understand that he uses cigs as a coping mechanism.

Anyway this is longwinded I know, but anyone out there have any useful tips/resources/hints for him? I'm not a smoker myself, so I can't emphathize. ANY HELP IS SO APPRECIATED!

I don't want to have to bury either of them before their time!!! It would be so tragic to find out he actually did have some fatal disease due to those d***ed cigarettes! Well, d*** tobacco in general!View Thread

Posted by All_is_One

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quitting and depression?

First post here! I was just wondering if it anyone else has ever felt depressed months later? I quit...

Posted by s0damnbeautiful

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My Motivation!

I am on my preparation week for my start date of September 25th to slap on the patch and QUIT! I recently...

Posted by vanessadawn

I am on my preparation week for my start date of September 25th to slap on the patch and QUIT! I recently tried Chantix again and this time it made me REALLY ill with daily nausea and headaches, so I am going to try nicotine patches. I have been smoking for 23 years.

Anyway, I LOVE smoking, I enjoy it, I am a "food" smoker; a "phone" smoker, a "car" smoker, a "social" smoker, but most of all I am a "STRESS" smoker. I know it is stinky, smelly, causes health problems...blah, blah, blah....but I didn't care. I have two kids and I told them "if you ever smoke, I will kick your butt!" What a hypocrite I am, huh!?!? Then, August 6th came and changed everything.

My mother, age 62, was in a minor fender-bender which brought on symptoms of a mild heart attack. I was scared out of my mind, she of course played it down, even herself signing forms at the emergency area wherein they allowed her to go outside and smoke. None of us really ever thought that smoking was THAT dangerous. On 8/6 she was admitted for observation and tests, on 8/7 they confirmed the heart attack and moved her to a better hospital which was actually, her PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. On that day she told me that she would be undergoing a heart cath on the 9th and she'd know more. That evening brought the call that crushed my world, a nurse on the phone said, "you need to get down here as quick as you can"...I collapsed to my knees in tears. They were afraid that by the looks of the heart cath she did NOT have more than 3-6 months to live without SEVERE intervention. We drove to be by her side and what usually takes us 10 hours took us 8 hours. Getting to my mother before she came out of open heart surgery was the most important thing in my life at that very moment.

My mom raised 2 kids, on her own, she was my mom and my dad. She was SUPERMOM, completely invincible and untouchable; or so we thought. The only thing keeping my mother's heart beating was a vein on the backside of her heart that literally dropped down and re-routed blood to keep her alive. She had (appx) 8 blockages, including both corotid arteries in her neck. She was a "ticking massive heart-attack time-bomb". Speculation led to "she could drop dead at any minute". We were devastated.

Long story short, my mom IS STILL SUPERMOM, just a little calmed down for the recovery period. She is the most important person in my life next to my 2 kids (oh, and the husband..haha). I love her so very much and am using her as my source of motivation to QUIT SMOKING for GOOD!

ANYONE can accomplish ANYTHING they set their mind to, I used to hear this all the time and thought it was a load of BS. Now, I am trying to take it to heart...literally. I do NOT want to be on that cardiac table having my chest cut open and doctors trying to work miracles to save me. I want to quit and I want to live. I will probably have set-backs, minor trip-ups and cravings along the way but I am bound and determined to not only break this addiction for my mom but for myself and to set an example for my kids and to NOT be a hypocrite!

Thanks for reading - any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

PS: Hopefully, I did nothing wrong here...it's my first post!View Thread

Posted by vanessadawn

Take the Poll

What do you use for YOUR motivation???

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