TMS for Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation Help in Colorado Springs and Monument
Can a Psychiatrist Help You Quit Smoking?
In short, yes – a psychiatrist can help you quit smoking. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diseases and disorders of the brain, including the brain’s system of rewards that become hijacked by addictive substances like nicotine.
Quitting smoking is one of the most challenging but rewarding decisions you can make for your health. The physical and mental cravings can make quitting feel nearly impossible, even when you’re motivated.
That’s why psychiatrists have begun to employ psychiatric tools – such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – to assist in the battle against nicotine addiction.
How Does TMS Help Quit Cigarettes?
TMS is an interventional psychiatry procedure that delilvers magnetic pulses to specific areas of your brain. These pulses create a stimulus/response mechanism that prompts the brain to adapt by building new neural pathways and functionally change the workings of the brain itself.
For smoking cessation, the TMS pulses are delivered to target the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making, self-control, and regulating cravings. When you smoke, your brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that creates a sense of reward. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on nicotine to release dopamine, reinforcing the addiction. TMS helps retrain your brain by reducing the intense cravings and rewiring the pathways that make quitting so difficult.
Who Is a Good Candidate for TMS?
If you have tried to quit smoking without success, TMS may be a good option for you. TMS treats the brain directly, helping to alter the body’s dependency and change the brain’s reward mechanism. TMS may provide a needed biological component to a successful smoking cessation plan.
TMS works well for patients who have tried to quit smoking through various means, including habit modification and the use of aids such as patches or nicotine gum.
TMS for smoking cessation is a daily treatment, with each session lasting about 20-30 minutes, so some schedule flexibility is ideal. However, TMS sessions can easily be scheduled around a work schedule. Because TMS therapy is drug-free, you are fully able to return to work, drive a car, or other normal activities immediately following each session.
Benefits of Using TMS to Quit Smoking
TMS is preferred by many patients as an aid to quit smoking because:
• TMS is a drug-free approach. Many smoking cessation methods, like nicotine patches or prescription medications, involve the use of pharmaceuticals. TMS is entirely drug-free, making it a great option for those who prefer natural treatments, can’t tolerate the side effects or routine of medication, or who want a healthier approach to quitting.
• TMS is effective. TMS received FDA approval in 2020 to be used for smoking cessation. This demonstrates it is an effective, clinically proven method to help quit smoking.
• TMS delivers long-term results. Research shows that TMS can lead to long-term changes in brain activity, making it easier to stay smoke-free even after the treatment ends.
• TMS is painless and has no systemic side effects. TMS is completely non-invasive. The TMS device is placed on your scalp and does not require needles, surgery or medication to produce its effect. As such, there are few side effects with TMS therapy and no systemic side effects.
Questions and Answers About TMS for Smoking Cessation
Is TMS for smoking cessation approved by the FDA?
Yes. TMS received FDA-approved in 2020 to be used as a treatment for smoking cessation.
Does insurance cover TMS for smoking cessation?
Insurance coverage varies by carrier and plan. Although TMS for smoking cessation is FDA-approved, not all insurance companies have chosen to include TMS treatment in their coverage plans.
Colorado Psychiatry Solutions works directly with your insurance to obtain coverage approval. If you have questions about coverage through your insurance, our insurance experts can help you determine your benefit level and file an appeal with your insurance, if necessary. Schedule a consultation today and we will advocate on your behalf with your insurance company.
Can TMS really help people quit smoking?
Yes. TMS has demonstrated in clinical trials and real-world practice that it is effective. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and TMS offers a cutting-edge way to make it happen. TMS is safe and effective, and it can give you the extra boost you need to overcome nicotine addiction.
If you’re ready to explore TMS as a tool to help you quit smoking, call us today at 719-622-6522 to begin.
How To Get Started
To receive an evaluation for TMS treatment, simply schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in Colorado Springs and Monument. You can call 719-622-6522 to speak with an intake specialist or enter your contact information in our online form.
