Tobacco is a plant that, when ingested, causes addiction. It is usually smoked or chewed. It is harmful in its natural state and causes death when used as directed. There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Small amounts of exposure cause immediate harm to the heart and blood vessels. Other diseases, including respiratory conditions and cancer, are known to be caused by tobacco use. Tobacco use is the largest cause of preventable death in the United States and the world. American research shows most current smokers want to quit.
Homeopathy
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "The practice of homeopathy is based on the belief that disease symptoms can be cured by small doses of substances which produce similar symptoms in healthy people." A homeopathic remedy known as tabacum has been touted as an effective, natural method to quit. Interest may have increased following widely publicized theories of medications' risks. Tabacum is a tobacco product. Small amounts of the addictive agent are consumed to slow withdrawal.
Harm Reduction
Harm reduction aims to decrease risks of using psychoactive drugs among people unable or unwilling to stop. Use of homeopathic tabacum to treat tobacco addiction is a harm reduction strategy. Many smokers decrease tobacco consumption as a way to quit, save money, or reduce health risks. There is no evidence, though, that this technique significantly improves health or decreases risk. Because tobacco products cannot be safely consumed in small amounts, continued use poses the risk of disease and death.
Tabacum as a Treatment for Tobacco Addiction
United States law defines a drug as "articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease" and "intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals." Homeopathic drugs must comply with FDA regulations pertaining to labeling, language, strength, quality and purity. FDA does not currently list any tabacum products as approved drugs. Due to safety concerns, tabacum products labeled and sold in violation of the law should not be used. The International Academy of Classical Homeopathy does not suggest using tabacum for tobacco cessation.
Medications for Tobacco Addiction
Abruptly stopping tobacco use without treating the addiction, known as "cold turkey," has the lowest success rate of all quitting methods. Evidence shows smokers who couple behavioral change with nicotine replacement therapies succeed approximately twice as often as those who use the "cold turkey" method. Behavioral change aids include classes or telephonic coaching. Nicotine replacement therapies are widely available and have a high safety profile. Withdrawal symptoms are eased by administration of nicotine without the toxins found in tobacco products. These medications are much safer than tobacco products.
Prescription medications have also shown some promise in treating tobacco addiction, including Varenicline, Clonidine, Bupropion SR and Nortriptyline. Side effects and cost should be considered in advance. Smokers using over-the-counter or prescription medication must read and follow all package directions. A common contributor to relapse is failure to utilize medication properly.
Behavioral Change
Success is enhanced by changing behaviors and habits. These are aided by telephone coaching, individual education and classes, skills training, support and encouragement. A commitment to quitting and a willingness to tolerate temporary discomfort is essential.
