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Quit smoking by stimulating the brain? It is an amazing discovery and yet full of promise. According to a team of researchers from the Dijon University Hospital, this technique would allow long-term weaning.
It is often difficult to do without. The cigarette is addictive in just a few puffs. A study published in the scientific journal Addiction unveiled the benefits of a new therapeutic technique for smoking disorders: non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). This method, which stimulates the brain in a non-invasive way, would reduce tobacco addiction.
2.39 times more long-term smoking abstinence
In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has become more popular. In particular, she treats alcohol-related disorders, drug addiction and dependence. Today, this method would also prove effective in quitting smoking, according to researchers at the Dijon University Hospital.
To arrive at these conclusions, the team searched for randomized controlled trials of NIBS on adult smokers seeking to quit, with a follow-up of more than 4 weeks, and then combined the results to measure the overall effect of this method. A total of seven studies were included, involving 699 patients. All control groups received a placebo NIBS.
The results obtained were positive. Indeed, smokers who received a NIBS had a 2.39 times higher probability of long-term smoking abstinence than smokers who received a “sham” NIBS.
“Although our review appears small, with only seven included studies, low confidence, and substantial between-study variability, the results appear to be robust and we are confident in suggesting that NIBS is a technique of interest for smoking cessation. short and long term. In the near future, NIBS may be recognized as a promising new option to help people quit smoking.”said Benjamin Petit, lead author of the study.
Consult a GP online
Tobacco addiction: the signs to recognize
Tobacco addiction is a physical addiction, but also a psychological one, which affects the way of thinking and behavior.
It’s the nicotine, a substance found naturally in the tobacco plant, that makes you addicted. It stimulates the brain by causing the release of endorphins and provides an instant feeling of well-being – short-lived. When the amount of nicotine becomes insufficient in the body, addiction manifests itself in various ways:
- Dizziness;
- Tremors;
- Headache ;
- Anxiety ;
- Irritability;
- Lack of concentration ;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Increased appetite;
- Depression ;
- Difficulty controlling consumption.
- A strong or compulsive desire to smoke.
To assess his level of dependence, a check-up with a tobacco specialist is recommended.