New Tools to Assist in Smoking Cessation

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Everyone realizes the benefits that ensue when a longtime smoker is able to stop. Epidemiologic studies suggest that about one-third of smokers are nicotine-dependent (i.e., they have the brain reward system dysregulation associated with not being able to quit). But it appears that the number of people who have difficulty quitting is much higher. Not only is nicotine dependence producing, but the smoking "habit" (smoking while drinking, or after a meal, or wanting to have something to do with one's hands) often can be very difficult to break, as well. Some people don't even want to quit, because they either deny that any serious consequences could occur for them, are afraid of …