Smoking cessation is one of the best things a person can do for their health. Still, despite the ill health effects of smoking and the clear benefits of quitting, many people find it nearly impossible to quit on their own. If you are finding it hard to quit, gain insight into why you may be struggling and how a psychiatrist can help you finally get smoke-free.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, being responsible for 480,000 deaths per year, according to the American Lung Association. Smoking negatively impacts every area of health, not just the lungs. In addition to premature aging and oral health problems, smoking can cause liver disease and ulcers as well as harm the immune and cardiovascular systems. Smoking even affects mental health by increasing anxiety levels and putting smokers at higher risk for depression. On the other hand, smoking cessation can result in improved health, longer lifespan, better overall health, and more energy.
Despite these compelling reasons to quit, many find they want to but cannot. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that changes the brain's chemistry, creating both physical and psychological dependence. When smokers try to quit, they find themselves not only fighting the ingrained behavior urge to smoke but also physical withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and nagging cravings. According to Dr. Neil Benowitz, a nicotine researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, "From a scientific standpoint, nicotine is just as hard, or harder, to quit than heroin … but people don't recognize that."
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with experience and training in helping people with mental health disorders such as substance use disorders like tobacco and nicotine addiction. They can provide patients with the tools needed to overcome the barriers to smoking cessation. Here is a look at key ways a psychiatrist can help someone get smoke-free.
As a medical doctor, a psychiatrist can prescribe prescription drugs and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to improve quitting success rates. Varenicline and bupropion are two key prescription drugs doctors offer to help reduce a patient's urge to smoke. The psychiatrist may also recommend patches, gums, and lozenges to curb withdrawal symptoms and help slowly ease the patient off nicotine. These efforts can improve a patient's ability to overcome the grueling physical dependence.
The psychiatrist may suggest the patient pursue therapy to address the psychological aspects of the dependence. Cognitive behavioral therapy and similar behavioral therapies can be highly effective in helping the patient overcome the behavioral and mental components of nicotine addiction. Usually, the psychiatrist will refer the patient to a trusted psychologist for this behavioral therapy.
TMS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that has proven useful in treating mental health issues like treatment-resistant depression. A psychiatrist may recommend TMS for those not getting results from medication and psychotherapy alone. TMS world by targeting the areas of the brain dealing with addiction to reduce nicotine cravings.
If you are having trouble breaking the habit, consider talking with a psychiatrist about how you can increase your odds of being smoke-free. You deserve to be in optimal health, and quitting smoking is a huge step in the right direction. Call our team today to learn more about how a psychiatrist can help you with smoking cessation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152 for an appointment in our New York office.
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