Laser Therapy for Smoking Cessation

By Roberto Garabell

 You are a smoker. Perhaps you’ve tried quitting in the past and nothing has worked. Perhaps you’ve known someone who has tried the longer-standing methods of nicotine replacement therapy and failed. Maybe you’ve thought about prescription drugs and even talked to your doctor about them but are afraid of side effects. Whether you’re just beginning to explore methods to quit smoking or have tried several, laser therapy is one method you can consider.

Laser therapy, or low level laser therapy (LLLT), is a newer technology that involves the use of a low-powered single light source applied to targeted areas. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free, and drug-free alternative to smoking cessation. Traditional methods, specifically nicotine replacement therapy using patches or gums, are designed to gradually reduce a smoker’s dependency on nicotine, the addictive substance that smokers crave. For many, replacing the addiction is simply not an effective way to eliminate it. Even when using a replacement substance for controlling cravings, smokers must learn to deal with the psychological and physical addictions to overcome their habit.

Laser therapy technology has been used for several years as an effective method of controlling chronic pain, healing wounds, reducing stress, alleviating insomnia, and in cosmetic treatments, including acne treatment. More recently, studies have been conducted on the use of laser therapy to break habits and addictions, such as nail biting, smoking, and over-eating. Success is typically dependent on the application of laser treatment, including targeted locations and levels, which is why it is important to receive therapy from a well-trained technician.

In certain studies, laser therapy for smoking cessation has been shown to be quicker and more successful over a longer period of time than nicotine replacement therapy. Laser therapy can impact both the psychological and physical addictions, making quitting possible by eliminating cravings and modifying behavior. Laser therapy has been shown to increase the production and release of endorphins, the same chemicals that trigger a feel good signal in your brain. In smokers, this signal is triggered by the delivery of nicotine, and hence, the addiction is created. Unlike nicotine delivery which is short-lived, the endorphin release created by laser therapy extends over the course of weeks, helping to eliminate cravings and allow the individual to begin releasing endorphins naturally without their addiction.

As with any smoking cessation method, laser therapy requires a support program that addresses behavior modification methods. The physical hand-to-mouth habit, or simply the physical need to smoke, needs to be broken as well as the physiological dependency on nicotine. Many people fear they will gain excess weight when quitting smoking by replacing cigarettes with food to curb the hand-to-mouth craving. By engaging in a support program that encourages behavior modification, offers practical advice for dealing with intermittent cravings, and reinforces success, permanent cessation is easier to achieve.

In addition to traditional nicotine replacement therapy, many alternative methods of smoking cessation therapies have been used, including hypnosis and acupuncture. The advantages of laser therapy stem from the non-invasive, non-painful and drug-free properties. Patients typically feel nothing more than a slight, pulsating sensation with no heat or nerve stimulation, making it a relaxing, completely pain-free experience. Laser therapy also eliminates the risk of side effects from certain drugs, including nausea and insomnia, which are common in some prescription drugs and nicotine replacement products.

Some patients cannot receive laser therapy, including those who are pregnant or have certain health conditions. People with pacemakers or defibrillators, who have had cancer, or take certain medications, including photosensitive medications, such as those used to treat acne, may not be able to receive laser therapy or may need a doctor’s approval before beginning. If you consider laser therapy for smoking cessation, be sure to consult a trained technician or qualified practitioner who should take a complete medical history before beginning treatment.

If all your previous attempts at quitting smoking have failed, you could be the perfect candidate for laser therapy. Many laser therapy patients have achieved long-term victory, with at least 18 months of smoke-free success. Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about the health benefits of quitting smoking and for additional information on whether laser therapy may be an acceptable smoking cessation aid for you.

Laser Centers for Health provides low level laser therapy to help you quit smoking, lose weight, chronic pain and much more. Located in Victoria, BC they are convenient and professional. Visit online today.

Tobacco

tobacco