One out of every five deaths in the US is attributed to cigarette smoking. Nicotine is a dangerous drug that has devastating mental, emotional, and physical effects.
Smoking is a difficult habit to overcome. Even so, thousands of individuals have put away the tobacco for good and replaced it with a healthier lifestyle. You can, as well.
Read all about what to expect in nicotine treatment and rehab and learn how it can help you.
Nicotine Treatment and Rehab
Like any addictive drug, conquering nicotine takes time and determination. Depending on the seriousness of the addiction, several treatments are available.
Tobacco Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves residential stays at facilities. Instead of providing medicines or treatments the patient takes at home, doctors treat the patient at the center.
Inpatient care involves around-the-clock support and is more intensive than outpatient care. The individual lives at the facility. There, he or she partakes in programs and therapy.
Tobacco addiction usually does not require inpatient care; but, many facilities offer inpatient programs. Some are used in conjunction with other serious rehabilitation treatments, such as opioid or alcohol treatment.
The time frame an individual stays depends upon the severity of the drug(s), but facilities usually offer stays up to 90 days.
Tobacco Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatments let patients go to sessions, therapy, and more during the day and remain at home. This method allows individuals to continue their daily lives with minimal interference.
The length of time tobacco users partake in outpatient treatment varies, but most take approximately 21 days.
Given the recurrence rate for smokers, it is not unusual for outpatient treatment to continue if relapse occurs. Should this happen, do not lose hope – about 75% of smokers relapse within six months.
It frequently takes several outpatient programs to conquer this habit.
Tobacco Sober Living
Sober living is yet another option for individuals wishing to overcome tobacco. Sober living homes, sometimes called halfway homes, are areas where residents avoid drug use.
In this case, they would be homes where no tobacco is allowed. The atmosphere at these residencies varies, with some offering necessary structure and others providing a relaxed form of support. Most stays are around 90 days, but periods vary according to individual cases.
What to Expect
The standard form of nicotine treatment is straightforward.
Individuals meet with a physician who discusses their case. Together, they determine a quit date, upon which the individual will begin his or her journey to cease smoking.
The types of care, however, vary greatly depending on the individual, the facility, and other needs. During the initial meeting, a professional discusses the possibilities with a patient to find the best fit.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a popular choice for patients. It allows individuals to slowly reduce their nicotine intake over a period of weeks.
The FDA approves a variety of formulated drugs, some of which include:
- Chewing gum
- Patches
- Inhalers
- Sprays
- Lozenges
These medications provide the same stimulation nicotine does but without the tobacco. Because of this, the medication alleviates the common symptoms associated with tobacco withdrawal.
It is estimated NRT methods increase quit rates by 50-70%.
Drug Therapy
There are several other forms of treatment that discourage smoking. The most common are bupropion and varenicline.
Bupropion moderates the norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, both of which are neurotransmitters. Norepinephrine is a stress hormone. Dopamine informs the brain of rewards, which is why it is targeted in many rehabilitation medications.
Studies indicate bupropion is just as effective at discouraging tobacco as NRTs.
Varenicline stimulates a nicotinic receptor that responds to nicotine use. Some studies demonstrate it is more effective at promoting quitting than other forms of therapy, especially when used with counseling.
Combinations
Some NRT forms are used in addition to other drugs with great results. But, individuals should speak to a physician. Experts know the best path for individual needs, as other medications, depression, anxiety and more can affect health outcomes.
A combination of NRT and other medication forms is advised and beneficial for many patients.
Counseling
Finally, counseling is the last important treatment to expect from a facility. Many people mistakenly assume quitting tobacco is an endeavor which doesn’t require outside help.
Countless studies indicate quite the opposite. Those who attend some form of counseling or therapy benefit greatly.
Behavioral counseling lasts anywhere from four to eight sessions. It uses a variety of methods to encourage healthy habits:
- Motivational interviewing: patients discuss their goals and current behaviors
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: individuals identify triggers and coping mechanisms
- Mindfulness: people discover the thought processes that lead to smoking and reframe them
Other forms of counseling exist, including discussions over the phone, in groups, and on social media.
Intensive Treatments
In some cases, especially if other serious drugs are abused, tobacco treatment programs may require inpatient stays and sober living arrangements. The expectations for these situations vary depending on the individual’s case and any other drug use.
Generally, physicians treat other drugs through detoxification followed by inpatient recovery programs. During this time, staff members offer tobacco treatment. Many involve 12-step programs, therapy, and other activities.
Ongoing Recovery
Relapse occurs frequently with tobacco use. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn what caused the relapse and what you could do to strengthen your resolve and quitting methods.
Most programs take approximately four weeks, but some periods extend up to a few months. Individuals should try a mixture of approved counseling and medication for best results.
Even so, curbing the urge to smoke involves changing at-home habits, including:
- Asking friends and family to smoke outside
- Eliminating triggers
- Talking to loved ones for encouragement
- Finding new relaxation techniques
- Cleaning the house
Trust, Care, and Encouragement
Quitting smoking before 50 halves the chances of passing away by 65. Quitting, in general, reduces the risk of lung disease, cancer, and other serious health illnesses. It also increases energy and enhances a person’s outward appearance.
If you’re ready for a healthier life, it’s time to put the tobacco aside. We can help.
Our professionals offer trustworthy advice and understanding ears. We listen to your needs and provide encouragement by matching you with nicotine treatment and rehab centers that are perfect for your situation.
Call our specialists and find the location that’s right for you.
