Is Nicotine Replacement Therapy Without Counselling Less Effective ?

According to a study published by the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Using nicotine replacement products without professional counseling to accompany therapy may not be as effective as nicotine replacement products plus counseling for patients who wish to quit smoking.

Studies included individuals from random telephone survey conducted over 3 years in adults living in Massachusetts. There were 787 individuals included in the baseline study. During the first follow-up, 321 individuals reported that they had quit smoking in the past 2 years.

Relapse with or without counseling by a professional while using nicotine replacement product was not affected at the first follow up.

The likelihood of relapse was lower in individuals who reported abstinence of 6 months or more, and higher in individuals who had heavy dependence.

Relapse between the first and second follow-up interviews was more likely in patients who used nicotine replacement products without professional counseling. Relapse was not affected by nicotine replacement products use with professional counseling .