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By: Sasha Frere-Prestian Aubin on Tue Jun 10, 2008

If you’re a smoker who’s concerned about quitting, chances are you’ve heard about laser therapy smoking cessation programs, seen the advertisements screaming “Quit Smoking Laser Therapy!” and are probably curious if this technique can help you stop smoking. What’s the deal with this quit smoking aid, what’s the lazer rap?

Laser therapy is a popular therapy for weight-loss, people use laser therapy for stress relief, and more and more, it’s becoming popular and more accessible to use laser therapy for smoking cessation.

What is Laser Therapy? How Does It Work?
Laser therapy involves a low level laser that stimulates the main energy points on the hands, face and ears, thereby virtually relieving all the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. How does it do so? The laser creates an endorphin rush physically similar to the endorphin rush that a smoker gets from the nicotine in a cigarette, which aids the smoker in making it through the first 72 hours of nicotine withdrawl, and past detox.

But beyond that, an average smoker requires seven to ten days to quit smoking, and after they’ve withdrawn from nicotine, the next battle is primarily psychological. The urge for nicotine will pass in three minutes, but because smokers are conditioned, mentally and physically, to desire them, they don’t experience three minutes like a non-smoker does. They know that within seven seconds, they’ll receive the satisfaction of that nicotine rush, and that’s why within two weeks, even someone engaged in casual smoking can become addicted.

There are many benefits to the non-invasive technique of laser therapy, and it’s also used to manage pain, stress and control weight. Laser clinics often boast success rates as high as 95 percent, although the definition of “success” is vague. Supporters claim the painless, one-shot treatment is free from any adverse side effects normally associated with pills and other smoking cessation aids.

Laser Therapy Costs
The cost of laser therapy varies, but a standard procedure will generally cost anywhere from $200 to $275. As well, booster treatment is generally included in the cost, which is a second visit and treatment for those who haven’t smoked in the first eight weeks after following initial session and need another session to help them finally quit smoking.

Scientific Studies on Laser Therapy
As of this writing, only one scientific study on the effectiveness of laser therapy and laser treatments has ever been conducted, in Singapore in 2000, and it found it to be a successful. Is this just medical quackery? Is it more effective than Zyban, (an anti-depressant which works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and was found to have side-effects that allowed smokers to control their cravings), Mofomatronix, or the countless other stop-smoking methods that clutter the pharmacy’s shelves? Many people say yes, but because smoking is a complex activity, involving thousands of chemicals, neuro-receptors, physiological and psychological factors, as well as emotional issues, it’s more about your mindset going into it. I would recommend that you take advantage of one of the many free consultations available at lazer therapy clinics before you jump into it. It never hurts to educate yourself!