Here’s something you might try if you’re a heavy smoker and have tried several times already to quit smoking, unsuccessfully.

It’s a stop smoking injection (or stop smoking vaccine) that can help you forget about cigarettes totally.

A stop smoking injection might be one of the most successful methods for smoking cessation. Some studies have shown a 70-80% success rate and is the highest rate compared to other stop smoking methods such as nicotine replacement therapy, acupuncture, herbs or medications. Generally the best results come when combined with other therapies. These stop smoking shots are usually combined with pills and patches to complete the system. It usually takes a few weeks to complete the process of physical withdrawals with this system.

Many people who have tried it have very positive feedback. Here is what Marissa, 54 says:

“I have been smoking since I was 16. By the time I was going to have my first child (28) I was already considering to stop smoking. However, after a few months I gave up and started smoking again. This same process has been repeating many times up until last year when a friend of mine told me about the stop smoking injection therapy. I went to the clinic, had the shot and on the next morning I woke up as a non-smoker! Believe it or not I haven’t thought about smoking since then.”

Stop Smoking Shots

These stop smoking shots are composed of atropine and scopolamine which help with the nervous system of the individuals. These drugs help to block the actions of the acetylcholine in the person’s system, which is the signal transmitter in the nervous system. This helps to reduce the withdrawal symptoms that people have to nicotine when stopping smoking.

There are also side effects of using the stop smoking shots which sometimes is a deterrent to the use of the shots in the first place. There are sometimes problems with the person being able to urinate, there are vision problems, constipation problems, dizziness and dry mouth.

NicVAX is an experimental vaccine intended to reduce or eliminate physical dependence to nicotine. This proprietary vaccine is being developed by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals of Rockville, MD. with the support from the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Early trials of NicVax were promising; two successive phase III trials showed results no better than placebo, and a more recent study showed that the drug decreased subjects’ cravings for cigarettes. Further trials of nicotine vaccines are needed, comparing vaccines with placebo for smoking cessation.

The drugs that are used in the stop smoking shots are all approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but the use of the two drugs for the purpose of stopping smoking have yet to be proven. There are many programs that claim success with these stop smoking shots, but individuals who are choosing a program should ask for references of people who have used the system and are still not smoking over a year after completing the program and the shots.

There should also be some part of the program that addresses the psychological aspects of the addiction through counseling or other method since that increases the success of any stop smoking system. There should also be some sort of group therapy or group support that is a part of the system so that the individuals have others to help them make it through the long term process of quitting smoking.

The process is quite simple.
The smoking cessation injection contains substances that block the nicotine receptors in your brain. Since your brain cannot recognize nicotine anymore, the desire for nicotine vanishes. Smoking is an addiction similar to any other addiction – alcohol or drugs. Smokers are addicted to nicotine – a substance found in cigarette smoke. That is why, especially for heavy smokers, once you don’t need the nicotine you don’t need the cigarettes.

Generally, one stop smoking injection should be enough for you to put away your cigarettes. However, in some cases a follow up may be required. The good thing is that this kind if therapy is a medical therapy and it takes place in a clinic under the supervision of experienced doctors. They will check your health condition prior to the stop smoking injection and set a second or a third shot if your condition requires it.

Of course a single injection will not fully “cure” you. This is because the problem with most smokers is not just the nicotine addiction. It’s also all the smoking rituals and habits the smoker has and misses once they decide to stop smoking. Usually you can get follow up help in the same clinic where you have had your stop smoking injection. Your doctor will review your condition after the shot and evaluate your reaction. If necessary, he can arrange for behavior therapy.

How much does a stop smoking injection therapy cost?

The good news is that it’s generally very affordable. Even if you feel it’s a bit high for your budget, just think for a moment: “What will I pay in 10 years for now to recover my ruined health?” and you will quickly see how inexpensive this treatment really is. The other good news is that a stop smoking injection therapy is sometimes covered by many health insurance policies.