Smoking Cessation & Nicotine Addiction Treatment
Comprehensive program by AIIMS-trained DM Addiction Psychiatrist
Evidence-based smoking cessation combining varenicline, bupropion, NRT, and behavioral therapy for lasting quit success.
AIIMS
DM Addiction Psychiatry
UK
MRCPsych Certified
1000+
Quit Success Stories
Nicotine Addiction in India
India has 120 million smokers, the second highest globally. Smoking-related diseases cause 1 million deaths annually. Delhi and NCR see increasing quit attempts among health-conscious professionals. Evidence-based cessation treatment offers 30-35% success rates compared to 3-5% with willpower alone.
Dr. Sidharth Sood provides comprehensive smoking cessation combining evidence-based medications and behavioral therapy for lasting freedom from nicotine.
What is Nicotine Use Disorder?
Nicotine Use Disorder is addiction to tobacco/nicotine characterized by inability to quit despite multiple attempts, continued use despite knowing the severe health risks, and dependence with withdrawal symptoms.
Key Features of Nicotine Addiction:
- • Intense Craving: Persistent urge to smoke, especially during stress
- • Failed Quit Attempts: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit or reduce smoking
- • Withdrawal Symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating when not smoking
- • Tolerance: Needing to smoke more cigarettes for same effect
- • Continued Use Despite Harm: Smoking despite respiratory disease, cancer risk, cardiovascular disease
Signs of Nicotine Dependence
Behavioral Signs
- ✓ Smoking first thing in the morning or immediately after waking
- ✓ Smoking more than intended or throughout the day
- ✓ Multiple failed quit attempts or significant reduction difficulty
- ✓ Spending significant money on cigarettes
- ✓ Continuing despite health warnings and health problems
Withdrawal & Physical Symptoms
- ✓ Intense cravings for nicotine
- ✓ Irritability and mood changes when unable to smoke
- ✓ Anxiety and restlessness
- ✓ Difficulty concentrating
- ✓ Increased appetite and weight gain
Health Risks of Smoking
→ Lung Cancer: Leading cause of cancer deaths
→ Heart Disease & Stroke: Smoking is major cardiovascular risk factor
→ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Irreversible lung damage
→ Mental Health: Increased anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline
→ Premature Aging: Wrinkles, gum disease, poor oral health
Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment
Varenicline (Most Effective)
Partial nicotine receptor agonist that reduces cravings and blocks nicotine pleasure. Most effective single medication with 30-35% quit success. Well-tolerated with minimal side effects in most patients.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Antidepressant that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Particularly helpful for smokers with depression or anxiety. Also aids weight management.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, or inhalers provide steady nicotine dose while eliminating cigarette smoking. Reduces withdrawal symptoms and breaks cigarette habit. Often combined with other medications.
Behavioral Therapy & Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and support groups address psychological dependence, triggers, and coping strategies. Essential component of successful cessation.
Why Choose Dr. Sidharth Sood for Smoking Cessation
Addiction Psychiatry Expertise: DM-trained specialist with proven smoking cessation success rates.
Medication Expertise: Expert in varenicline, bupropion, and NRT combination therapy selection.
Behavioral Support: Comprehensive counseling addressing psychological dependence and stress.
Comorbidity Management: Specialized care for smokers with depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
1000+ Success Stories: Proven track record helping Delhi patients achieve lasting quit success.
Quit Smoking Once and For All
Evidence-based treatment with 30-35% success rates. Expert psychiatric care for lasting freedom from nicotine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is quitting smoking so difficult?
Nicotine is highly addictive, affecting brain reward circuits. Psychological dependence adds to physical dependence. Cigarettes become coping mechanisms for stress. Without proper treatment, relapse rates exceed 90%. Evidence-based treatment dramatically improves quit success.
What smoking cessation medications work best?
Varenicline (Chantix) is most effective, reducing craving and blocking nicotine pleasure. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) works well, especially for depression. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches/gum provide steady nicotine while breaking smoking habit. Combination therapy is often most effective.
How long does smoking cessation treatment take?
Most quit programs run 8-12 weeks initially. Many benefit from 3-6 months of ongoing support. Combination medication plus behavioral therapy improves long-term quit rates to 30-35%, compared to 3-5% with willpower alone.
Can I use nicotine replacement while taking varenicline?
Yes. Combination therapy (varenicline plus NRT patch or gum) is often recommended for heavy smokers. This approach reduces cravings more effectively than single therapy. Dr. Sood individualizes medication combinations for maximum effectiveness.
What about vaping and e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are not harmless. They still deliver addictive nicotine and contain toxic chemicals. They often prolong nicotine dependence rather than help quit. Evidence-based cessation treatment is more effective for complete nicotine freedom.