For smokers trying to kick the habit, getting calm and relaxed might be the last thing on their mind.
But hypnotherapy taps into just that to modify a smoker's behaviour and attitude. A session starts with the therapist talking to the smoker and getting him or her to relax by thinking of a calm period, be it a holiday or lying on the beach. The therapist induces a trance-like state by speaking slowly and soothingly, sending a message to the unconscious mind that it is okay to relax. In this reclined state, the smoker feels at ease physically, yet is fully awake mentally. It is in this state of deep concentration that people are highly responsive to suggestions. The therapist then convinces him that he will have a strong dislike for the taste of cigarettes in the future.
Ms Catherine Wong, a hypnotherapist at Hypnae Centre, said after the first session with her, smokers usually reduce the number of cigarettes they inhale. After four to five sessions, the habit is completely eradicated, she said.
'It depends on the client's willpower. It is through weak will and temptation that they start to smoke, so they can flip back if they control their willpower,' said Ms Wong.
Each session at the centre lasts 45 to 60 minutes and costs about $200. Ms Wong sees about three to four people a month who want to quit smoking and said she has so far seen a 98 per cent success rate.
For some smokers, appealing to their vanity might help. Tobacco ages the skin, but sometimes there is nothing like seeing proof of it.
At the Sloane Clinic, an Omnia Ultraviolet Imaging System can show up the damage which has been done to the skin, for example by age, the sun, and yes, tobacco smoking.
The system uses X-ray imaging to look beneath the skin and see the real damage, said the medical director of the clinic, Dr Low Chai Ling.
'This is a good way to show them the effects of smoking, especially young girls who do not believe that they can age terribly,' said Dr Low.
A free skin analysis, using the system, is done upon the first consultation at the clinic, which costs $50.
This method is most effective for young women who are just starting to smoke and see the effect the habit has on their skin, said Dr Low.
She said she has definitely seen more damage to smokers' skin.
But most do not quit smoking immediately even after they see the pictures.
'I would think that people would drop their cigarettes once they see these images, but they don't as it is a habit which is hard to kick,' said Dr Low.
Medication and nicotine replacement treatments are a tried and tested method. Zyban, also known as bupropion, comes in tablet form and works like an anti-depressant. It helps to reduce the urge to smoke.
The prescription-only tablet has to be consumed strictly according to instructions as an overdose could lead to fits, said Dr Chng Shih Kiat, senior family physician at Raffles Medical Clinics.
Other side effects include a raised heart rate, giddy spells, dry mouth and indigestion problems.
Nicotine replacement treatment comes in various forms such as patches, chewing gum and inhalers. They release nicotine into the bloodstream to help counter cravings and reduce other physical withdrawal symptoms when weaning off tobacco. All forms come in different strengths that are decreased over time.
When combined with counselling sessions, nicotine replacements and medication provide up to a 35 per cent success rate, said Dr Chng.
