SMOKING CESSATION TREATMENTS: CURRENT PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL OPTIONS

Rev Invest Clin. 2019;71(1):7-16. doi: 10.24875/RIC.18002629.

Abstract

Background: Smoking is considered an epidemic, indeed, one of the most important public health problems worldwide. It is also the most significant preventable cause of death, of a high number of premature deaths, and avoidable chronic diseases. It is considered an enormous economic burden for the world.

Objective: To provide an overview of smoking-cessation treatments, including pharmacological and psychological options, and to gather current scientific evidence available on them.

Methods: Research included reviewing publications from 2007-2018 in four databases using algorithms related to bupropion, varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, smoking cessation, psychological treatment, motivational interview, cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical guidelines for smoking treatment. Meta-analyses or systematic reviews and randomized or quasi-randomized trials were selected. We also included clinical guidelines for smoking treatment from Mexico and other countries.

Results: After refining the search, 37 articles met the criteria and were included in the review. The results were grouped by type of intervention.

Conclusions: It is necessary to conduct research on combinations of both kinds of treatment with an integral, multidisciplinary vision. Current standard for smoking cessation is a combined psychological and pharmacological treatment.

Keywords: Pharmacological treatment for smoking cessation; Psychological treatment for smoking cessation; Smoking cessation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bupropion / administration & dosage
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Mexico
  • Motivational Interviewing / methods
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology
  • Smoking Cessation Agents / administration & dosage
  • Tobacco Use Cessation Devices*
  • Varenicline / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Smoking Cessation Agents
  • Bupropion
  • Varenicline