BUTTING OUT: PRODUCTS MAY HELP SMOKERS QUIT

Three-fourths of smokers want to quit, but fewer than 10 percent who try
each year succeed long term, according to health researchers. Smokers who
resolve to kick their deadly habit in 1998 should find it a little easier,
though.

A new smokeless nicotine inhaler that resembles a fat plastic cigarette,
and the first non-nicotine, anti-smoking drug were approved by the Food and
Drug Administration in 1997. They join a number of other products and
social support systems to aid smokers in stubbing out that tobacco habit.

Smokeless nicotine inhaler: The smokeless nicotine inhaler, which is
available by prescription, should help some hard-core smokers who are
addicted to nicotine but also miss the "feel" of puffing on a cigarette
when trying to quit. The plastic inhaler allows users to suck in a little
nicotine, without the smoke that contains dangerous tars and toxins. The
inhalers even cause a little burning sensation at the back of the throat
for smokers who are really into the feel of smoking.

Zyban: More support is available in the form of a new prescription
anti-depressant designed to curb the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that
make it difficult for many people to quit smoking. Zyban is a slow-release
form of Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant that works on two brain chemicals,
dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially helpful for
nicotine-dependent people who feel irritable, anxious, moody and on edge
when they are trying to quit. Scientists hunting for smoking cures stumbled
onto the fact that patients under treatment for depression frequently quit
smoking while taking Wellbutrin, one of the newer anti-depressants approved
several years ago. Studies show the drug is especially helpful when used in
conjunction with nicotine replacement patches, gum or nasal spray.
Long-term follow-up rates are not available on Zyban.

Nicotine patches and nicotine gum: In late '96, nicotine-replacement
patches and gum went over the counter, making them easy to purchase. Some
20 percent to 25 percent of nicotine gum and patch users quit smoking for
at least one year, with the new inhaler expected to improve that rate.

Nicotine nasal spray: A nicotine nasal spray became available, by
prescription only, in 1996. Nicotine in the nasal spray hits the
bloodstream faster than that in the gum or patch, offering the potential of
almost immediate relief from cigarette cravings. A squirt up each nostril
gives the smoker 1 milligram of nicotine. Smokers aren't supposed to inhale
it more than five times a day. Overdosing is dangerous -- 40 milligrams is
considered a lethal dose of nicotine.

Computerized behavior modification: LifeSign, a new hand-held mini computer
designed to help people change their smoking behavior, has been developed
under funding from the National Cancer Institute and is now available by
mail for $89.95. For seven days, the smoker presses a button each time he
or she lights up. The computer then analyzes the information and begins
beeping the smoker to tell him or her when to light up during the next 14
to 28 days. "It has you smoking at different times than you are used to,
and gradually phases you out altogether," explains Kyle Horgan, a marketing
agent for Personal Improvement Computer Systems (PICS), the company that
developed the system. The success rate, short term, has been as high as 80
percent, Horgan says. For more information, call PICS at (800) 543-3744.

Doctor's orders: Researchers reviewing 188 studies of attempted smoking
cessation concluded that simple, direct advice to quit smoking is a
cost-effective way for doctors to help cure their patients -- especially
pregnant women and people with heart disease. Support groups: Quit-smoking
clinics are widely available with long-term support groups through the
American Cancer Society.

"Although I quit on my own, as do most people, I recommend smokers join a
support group while they're using smoking-cessation aids," says Dr. Harry
Greene, associate editor of Health News, a consumer newsletter from the
publishers of The New England Journal of Medicine. "Professional support
and tips from a group leader, along with regular contact and positive
reinforcement from other people striving to quit, can improve your chances
of success."

Other methods: Hypnosis remains unproved, and acupuncture is ineffective
against smoking, most studies conclude. If even the nicotine inhaler
doesn't do the trick for you, fear might provide the necessary motivation.
Research has associated tobacco use with these diseases and conditions:
Lung cancer Emphysema Heart disease Stroke Esophageal cancer Laryngeal
cancer Stomach cancer Oral cancers Bladder cancer Pancreatic cancer
Cataracts Wrinkles