Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, according to the National Institute of Health, which is a very good reason to stop smoking. Many smokers would like to stop but their addiction to smoking cigarettes is tough to overcome. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that using nicotine patch for an extended period increases to the success rate of smokers who want to quit.
According to the study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on February 2, 2010, more smokers were successful in quitting smoking by using nicotine patches over a 24 month period. The standard time to use the nicotine patch is eight weeks according to Penn. Researchers found that using the nicotine patch for 24 weeks instead of the standard eight boosts the number of smokers who were able to abstain from smoking and avoid backsliding.
In the press release from Penn, Lead Author Robert Schnoll, Phd, an associate professor of Psychiatry at Penn, stated "Our data suggest that the many smokers who relapse while trying to quit will be especially helped by extended treatment, which appears to make it easier for smokers to 'get back on the wagon' after a small smoking slip, instead of having it turn into a full-blown relapse. We know that tobacco dependence is a chronic, relapsing condition that may require extended treatment, and we hope our research efforts will encourage physicians to recommend to their patients that they use nicotine patches for a longer duration.'
Study authors noted that the extended nicotine patch therapy had a success rate similar to drug therapies, including Zyban and Chantix. Nicotine patches are available over the counter, without a prescription. The estimated cost of 24 month therapy using nicotine patches is about $2,482, which is about the same as other drug related cessation aids.
Resources:
National Institute of Health
EurekAlert: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; More smokers kick the habit with extended nicotine patch therapy Penn research shows; 1-Feb-2010
Written by Christine Nyholm
HULIQ.com
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