The development of medical interventions for different health-related issues is vital in the context of the health of the nation. To achieve effective solutions, it is necessary to consider the issue from different points of view. The most effective option is the PICOT model since one has the opportunity to analyze the problem in detail. In this case, the object of study is nicotine addiction and possible methods of treatment. To analyze the current issue, one needs to consider the existing options for smoking cessation therapy and present alternatives. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the effects of e-cigarettes compared to smoking cessation therapies.
Nicotine addiction is a strong one; however, it is not followed by the manifestation of withdrawal syndrome, or it happens in its mild forms. In some cases, when quitting nicotine abruptly, the individual may experience headache or dizziness, excessive hunger, or loss of appetite. In addition, the person may become irritable, and there may be a loss of alertness and an inability to concentrate. However, it does not adversely affect the basic functions of the body; moreover, during the first two months, the body actively restores the affected organs.
Nowadays, there are many types of treatment for nicotine addiction. Among these options are both traditional and non-traditional variants. Traditional treatments include nicotine replacement therapy and psychological therapy (Munafro et al., 2018). Non-traditional cures include hypnosis, psychiatric therapies, the use of the placebo effect, and other exotic options. The most common is nicotine replacement therapy, which is based on the supply of nicotine by the body without the use of cigarettes (Munafro et al., 2018). It may include nicotine gums, sticks, patches, and nasal and throat sprays.
The main idea of nicotine replacement therapy is not just cessation of using cigarettes. Stopping the use of cigarette smoke formulates an improvement in well-being, and the body receives fewer harmful substances. However, the main idea is to reduce the dose of nicotine with the potential for total withdrawal in the future. It happens gradually with a meager decrease in the amount of nicotine, which allows the body to get used to the amount at each stage. Potentially, in the future, after reducing the dose to a minimum, it will be much easier for an individual to get rid of nicotine completely.
Electronic cigarettes have become popular not only because of the unusual technological solution but also because of the possible option to quit smoking. Many electronic cigarette companies market their product as ones that will help one quit smoking. However, according to a study about electronic cigarettes, smokers who use them are not associated with a significant level of smoking cessation (Wang et al., 2021). At the professional level, electronic cigarettes can only be prescribed as part of a supervised smoking cessation intervention. However, one must take into account all the risks of using electronic cigarettes, formulated by the insufficient study of long-term consequences.
The growth of this clinical question in research possibilities is formulated by several key factors. First, today there is an increase in the use and production of a variety of electronic cigarettes. In addition, there is an urgent need for studies in regard to long-term consequences. Talking about whether electronic cigarettes are effective as a way to quit smoking compared to other therapies, one can highlight several aspects. First, as has already been pointed out, electronic cigarettes are not an effective way to quit smoking. Further, nicotine replacement therapy is popular and operative; therefore, electronic cigarettes are not more effective in quitting smoking among smokers.
Journals that would be a potential publisher for my future authorship include those that focus on a variety of medical problems. These could be PubMed, New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The Journal of the American Medical Association, The British Medical Journal, and other health-related media. Collaborative practice opportunities are characterized by many employees with different professional backgrounds providing quality medical services. In this case, it can be formulated by collaborators from different spheres to study this issue further. In addition, it can also become a significant basis for further interdisciplinary research on the topic of long-term consequences.
Talking about an overview of the guideline, one should note that this is formulated by various variants of interventions. It is worth noting that among the therapies for quitting smoking is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is based on behavioral habits and the prevention of habit relapse (Green & Lynn, 2018). However, the most effective results are achieved when cognitive behavioral therapy is combined with nicotine replacement therapy. With this approach, there is a change in the habit of the individual at a subconscious level, which formulates its effectiveness.
To conclude, smokers are faced with a strong addiction, albeit without the manifestation of an abstinence syndrome. There are many types of smoking cessation therapies, and the most popular is nicotine replacement therapy. Electronic cigarettes are not more effective for smoking cessation than smoking cessation therapies. In addition, cognitive-behavioral therapy with nicotine replacement therapy is an effective way to quit smoking.
References
Green, J. P., & Lynn, S. J. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and hypnosis for smoking cessation: A scientifically informed intervention. John Wiley & Sons.
Munafro, M., Drury, M., Chambers, M., & Wakley, G. (2018). Smoking Cessation Matters in Primary Care. CRC Press.
Wang, R. C., Bhadriraju, S., & Glantz, S. A. (2021). E-cigarette use and adult cigarette smoking cessation: A meta-analysis. Am J Public Health, 111(2), 230-246.