Does The Stop Smoking Injection Really Break The Addiction?
Many medical problems come upon us, resulting in some degree of limitations in our lifestyles. Other frustrating diseases leave us with a need for more urgent medical attention. And then there are ailments which aren’t as severe but are disruptive nonetheless.
What hope, though, is there for self-induced troubles, such as a smoking addiction?
You may have begun to see signs for a “Stop Smoking Shot,” but is it a miracle or just another scam designed to part you from your money? Maybe you’ve tried acupuncture, the patch, nicotine gum, fake cigarettes, hypnotism and every other trick in the book, but are you ready for this?
To find out if the smoking cessation shot is for you, read on.
An Overview of the Shot
The smoking shot isn’t an injection of nicotine to help you get over your addiction. Unlike the patch or nicotine gum, it attempts to relive withdrawal symptoms by injecting you with, essentially, antidepressants that give your brain the same “high” as nicotine.
For some people, this placebo effect works and for others the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are too strong to quit. For the smoking injection to work, a quitter needs to be committed and willing to combine the treatment with other smoking cessation strategies like limiting habit triggers and reducing stress.
It’s Effectiveness
Unfortunately, the stop smoking shot hasn’t been around long enough to be subject to any long-term studies. And while most providers of the shot claim it has an 80% effective rate, those figures aren’t based on long-term research. It’s unclear how effective the shot is over a long period of time like 1 to 10 years.
Currently, there is no data tracking the long-term efficacy of the stop smoking injection.
The Process
Currently, there is no data tracking the long-term efficacy of the stop smoking injection.
Once your injections are complete, you need to continue wearing a patch behind your ear and taking complimentary drugs for two additional weeks. At that point, you and your doctor will decide if additional treatment is needed.
Safety of the Drugs
The drugs used in most smoking injections are not intended as smoking cessation aids, nor are they approved for it. However, doctors are allowed to administer them as part of a stop smoking program.
Treatment Cost
For a smoking cessation injection and two-week treatment course, you should expect to pay between $300 and $600, depending on the clinic. Many health insurance companies will cover these costs as part of their stop-smoking strategies.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of the stop smoking shot include dizziness, dry mouth, confusion, blurred vision and trouble urinating. However, these side effects are typically temporary and tend to disappear. If you’re pregnant or suffer from a heart condition, this treatment isn’t for you.
Posted: November 28th, 2008 under Health.
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