Why is it so difficult to stop smoking?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the recent past, smoking was a symbol of sophistication, sexuality, romance, and many other such attractive qualities. Today, this perception is still popular among young smokers. The cigarette serves the smoker, among other uses, as a means of reducing tension and anxiety, and of enhancing concentration.

Everyone knows how hazardous smoking can be, yet the real change in attitude towards cigarette smoking took place in 1988, with the declaration of the American Ministry of Health that tobacco products are addictive and dangerous. Today we know that smoking causes more deaths than road accidents, alcohol, homicides, suicides, addictive drugs, and AIDS put together.
In Israel alone there are 5,000 - 8,000 smoking related deaths each year. Of these, 10 % die as a result of passive smoking. These frightening figures, and the fact that people continue smoking, can be explained simply - smoking in an addictions.
Smoking Cessation

 In One Clinic Visit !!
 

 

 

The treatment session lasts about two hours and begins with a presentation by a clinical psychologist. The treatment is described in detail, while special attention and ways of dealing with it are discussed. The patient then receives advice and guide lines concerning the changes in habits and behavior required to reduce and finally neutralize the psychological aspect of cigarette addiction. For the rest of the meeting a series of tests are performed which include: spirometry, EKG, blood pressure, and a detailed profile of the patient’s medical past is followed by a physical examination by an experienced internist. Treatment then follows.
A person used to smoking becomes physically addicted to nicotine. A short while after experiencing smoking, the smoker reaches a stage where s/he must continue smoking in order to feel relaxed and free from tension. The nicotine addiction mainly affects the central nervous system, therefore the prevention of nicotine from the smoker results in nervousness, bad temperament, cold sweat, insomnia, yearning, inability to concentrate and other disturbing symptoms. You must already be aware that nicotine withdrawal is no pleasant journey.
The Medical Psychological Approach


 

 

Being as it is, we believe that patients need assistance in breaking the smoking habit, in addition to biochemical physical therapy, our patients partake in weekly support groups with no time limit. Through these meetings patients receive not only support and encouragement, but also advice and guidance regarding different ways to deal with tension, behavioral alternatives to the act of smoking, and a general attainment of different habits and ways of behavior designed to moderate or even obliterate the psychological dependence which the smoker has acquired through the long standing habit.
The "Smoke out" method which combines medical and psychological treatments for the recovery from nicotine dependence, has attained 71% successful results during a 6 month survey in the U.S. The tested aspect was complete cessation of smoking following this combine a treatment. A survey of the figures in Israel, after over a year of activity, has shown similar results.
 Quitting Smoking 

Is a serious business
 

The "smoke Out" method has existed for many years. The medication in use has acquired the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizations, and has been marketed worldwide for over 50 years.
Addiction is a state in which the nicotine affects the central nervous system and induces a feeling of pleasure, peace and calmness. Repetitive, consistent intake of nicotine causes the addiction, being that there is a constant need to fulfill this enjoyable smoking experience, regardless of the dangers involved . The nicotine, referred to as an elusive, cunning drug, acts on the pleasure centers of the brain, the same ones on which act cocaine, heroine and others. These activate the ratification system and entice the smoking experience. Some stress the fact that nicotine aids in the control appetite and weight.
The Medical Scientifical Approach

The perception of nicotine as an addictive substance has begun to be perceived as a kind of disease, one deserving of adequate medical solutions. Research has brought to the formation of a medical protocol, based on the administration of small dosages of non-addictive substances.
Drugs which block the effect of nicotine on the central nervous system. This way it is possible to prevent the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine influence and the suffering from withdrawal later on. The medications effect are practically immediate. In addition, the patient receives, as needed, an oral medication for 10 days to complete the withdrawal. This, until the patient recovers from the nicotine addiction.