Stopping smoking habit can be difficult

SIKESTON -- Larry Gosche hasn't smoked a cigarette since July 22, 2002, and 487 days later, he couldn't be happier about it.

On Thursday, millions of Americans participated in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, which calls on smokers throughout the nation to go smoke-free for the day and to consider giving it up for good.

Like many of those smokers, Gosche, who smoked for over 35 years, said he has tried everything-- from the nicotine patches to prescription medicine from his doctor. When he came across an ad in the newspaper for a smoking cessation hypnosis seminar, Gosche thought he'd take a chance.

"It was a one-time deal," said Gosche of New Hamburg. "You go, and it lasts about three hours. It was an easy class. You take a break about midway through, and they tell you to go out and smoke your last cigarette."

The first part of the session, they tell what nicotine does to a person's body and things like that, Gosche recalled, adding that he thought the information was amazing.

As interesting as the information was, Gosche said he fell asleep toward the end of class, and he guesses that's when the hypnosis took place. One man was holding a glass and he fell asleep, dropping the glass, Gosche laughed.

"What really gets me is I haven't had a craving at all," Gosche said in amazement. "There are two things that have always been the hardest when I've tried to quit smoking: one is the craving or thinking I'd have to smoke when I was around my friends who smoke; and two, was that I didn't want to gain 40 pounds."

Gosche said he's gained maybe three or four pounds and hasn't had a craving since -- not that there haven't been tough times, he pointed out, but the craving just hasn't been there.

Prior to the hypnosis, the longest Gosche quit smoking was about three or four weeks, he said.

"I could never seem to get over the hump. Before with the other programs, it was always a struggle," Gosche said.

And cigarettes are so expensive -- costwise and healthwise, too, Gosche pointed out.

"When I started smoking at age 16, cigarettes were 20 cents a pack," Gosche recalled. "I couldn't even tell you what a pack costs today."

While Gosche never had any breathing problems or a bad cough, which are common symptoms of a longtime smoker, the former pack-a-day smoker noted he does have more energy since he quit smoking.

Gosche admitted he doesn't know if the hypnosis program would work for everyone, but he sure knows it worked for him.

"I've tried so many things and it seemed like nothing would work. It was by-far the easiest thing I've done of everything I've tried -- and I've probably tried to quit 100 times," Gosche said.

Ferguson Medical Group family physician Cully Bryant said hypnosis is something that has never really been as extensively studied as other methods. There is data suggesting that it is moderately effective in helping suggestive patients, and there aren't any side effects, he added.

Of course, hypnosis is just one method of kicking the smoking habit. Other methods include the over-the-counter nicotine patch/gum/inhaler, support groups and prescription medicine.

"There are very few things in medicine that are certain, but we're completely certain that smoking is bad and quitting smoking is good," Bryant said.

Whatever method, Bryant said he certainly recommends people quit smoking.

"Whenever patients come to me about quitting smoking, generally speaking, I tell them that if you attempt to quit on your own without any added measures, the chances are about 15 percent successful within a year," Bryant said.

Ways they can increase those odds are with either the nicotine patch or a medicine called Wellbutrin. Both of those have been researched and studies show both increase the rate of success, depending on the individual, up to 40 percent, he said.

Generally used for the treatment of anxiety and depression, Wellbutrin, or Zyban, is a pill that is nicotine-free, Bryant explained. It is taken once a day for three days, and then twice a day after that. The biggest side effect, which is rare, is seizures, he said.

Wellbutrin helps curb the cravings and irritability that comes with trying to quit smoking, and it calms those cravings, Bryant said.

And just going to the drug store and buying the nicotine patch is not as effective as talking to a health care provider about using an overall plan.

"Your physician can tell smokers how to prepare themselves and how to psychologically get geared up to quit smoking," Bryant said. "It really increase chances of quitting."

However, if the smoker is not motivated or not willing to quit, it won't be successful, Bryant said.

"You've got to want to do it," Gosche agreed. "That's the big factor."

Meanwhile Gosche said he will continue to lead a smoke-free life, and he has no intention of ever smoking again.

"I'm so happy I quit," Gosche said. "It doesn't even bother me not to smoke."