Learning Objectives: Compare quit rates over time achieved by randomized trial of self-hypnosis accompanied by nicotine patches versus behavioral counseling accompanied by nicotine patches.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective: Fewer than half of smokers who enroll in smoking cessation programs are abstinent at one year. Additional effective interventions are needed. Recent studies of self-hypnosis for smoking cessation have yielded quit rates comparable to those for multi-component treatments combining counseling and nicotine replacement. Use of self-hypnosis warrants further investigation.
Methods: We are conducting a randomized clinical trial in which all smokers receive 2 months of transdermal nicotine patches. Participants are randomly assigned to receive training in self-hypnosis or cognitive-behavioral counseling, each in two forty-five minute sessions. Self-hypnosis subjects receive audiotapes to practice with. All participants are called at 2, 3 and 9 weeks after enrollment to support their quitting. At 6 and 12 months, those who are not smoking are paid $25 to provide saliva samples to biochemically validate cessation.
Results: To date, we have enrolled and are following 213 participants. Thirty-eight percent are women. Seventy-one percent are white. The smokers' mean age is 46 years and 72% were educated byond high school. They smoked an average of 19 cigarettes per day upon entering the study. Randomization has assigned 107 to self-hypnosis and 106 to counseling. One-year follow-up data are available for 55. The self-reported quit rates are 25% in the self-hypnosis group and 22% in the behavioral counseling group. If these quit rates are confirmed biochemically, self-hypnosis would appear to compare favorably with standard behavioral counseling one year after treatment.
Conclusions: Self-hypnosis may be as effective as other behavioral interventions to help smokers quit.
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