Effective Smoking Cessation Methods for COPD and Mental Health

Key Benefits of Pharmacological Interventions in Smoking Cessation

Pharmacological interventions, including nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline, have demonstrated significant effectiveness in helping individuals quit smoking. According to the WHO (2023), these medications can more than double the chances of quitting successfully compared to placebo. NRT provides a safer alternative by supplying nicotine without the harmful substances found in tobacco smoke, thereby reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).

A systematic review conducted by Di Spirito et al. (2025) evaluated pharmacological smoking cessation interventions and found that biochemically verified continuous abstinence rates (CARs) were significantly improved through the use of NRT and other medications. For instance, the biochemically verified CARs for pharmacological interventions were 9.06% at 6 months and 8.51% at 12 months, indicating a substantial potential for long-term cessation success (Di Spirito et al., 2025).

Moreover, pharmacological treatments can address both the physical and psychological aspects of nicotine addiction. Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant, has been shown to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it particularly useful for individuals with concurrent mental health disorders (Tsoh et al., 2024). Varenicline, a partial agonist at nicotinic receptors, not only reduces cravings but also lowers the pleasurable effects of smoking, contributing to its efficacy (WHO, 2023).

The Role of Non-Pharmacological Strategies in Quitting Smoking

Non-pharmacological strategies, including behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups, play an essential role in smoking cessation, particularly for individuals dealing with the psychological aspects of addiction. Behavioral interventions can enhance motivation, help individuals develop coping strategies, and provide social support, which are critical for maintaining long-term abstinence from smoking.

The umbrella review by Di Spirito et al. (2025) reported that non-pharmacological interventions yielded continuous abstinence rates of 14.85% at 6 months and 9.08% at 12 months, indicating that these approaches can be equally effective when appropriately employed. The adherence rates for non-pharmacological strategies were significantly higher, with 83.43% adherence reported at 6 months, demonstrating the importance of consistent support in achieving successful smoking cessation (Di Spirito et al., 2025).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are among the most effective non-pharmacological strategies. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns related to smoking, while MI enhances intrinsic motivation to quit by exploring and resolving ambivalence (Wang et al., 2024). These strategies can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mental health issues, as they address both smoking behaviors and underlying psychological factors.

Importance of Technology in Enhancing Smoking Cessation Efforts

Technology has transformed smoking cessation efforts by providing new tools for intervention delivery. Mobile applications, text messaging, and telehealth services have emerged as effective means of delivering smoking cessation support, especially during times when in-person interactions are limited, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic (Sharma et al., 2024).

The effectiveness of technology-supported smoking cessation interventions was highlighted in the systematic review by Di Spirito et al. (2025), which found that technological strategies could improve both adherence and long-term success rates. For example, the integration of mobile applications for tracking smoking habits and receiving reminders has been shown to enhance motivation and help smokers manage cravings effectively (Buchanan et al., 2024).

Moreover, technology can facilitate access to resources and support networks, making it easier for individuals to engage in smoking cessation programs. Telehealth services can provide counseling and support remotely, which is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural or underserved areas where access to healthcare resources may be limited (Khan et al., 2024).

Strategies for Improving Adherence to Smoking Cessation Programs

Improving adherence to smoking cessation programs is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness. A combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, along with technology-based support, can significantly enhance adherence rates. Here are some strategies to improve adherence:

1. Personalized Plans: Tailoring smoking cessation plans to individual needs and preferences can enhance motivation and commitment. This includes considering personal triggers, preferred cessation methods, and coping strategies.

2. Regular Follow-ups: Frequent check-ins and follow-up appointments help maintain accountability and provide ongoing support. This can be achieved through telehealth services or mobile applications that remind users of their progress.

3. Integrated Support Systems: Combining pharmacological therapies with behavioral interventions and support groups can create a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

4. Education and Awareness: Providing education on the benefits of quitting smoking, potential withdrawal symptoms, and coping strategies can empower individuals to adhere to their cessation plans.

5. Utilizing Technology: Mobile apps that track progress, provide reminders, and offer resources for managing cravings can enhance engagement and adherence to cessation efforts.

Conclusion

Effectively addressing smoking cessation in individuals with COPD, particularly those with mental health comorbidities, requires a multifaceted approach that includes pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological strategies, and technology-supported programs. The integration of these methods can significantly improve cessation outcomes and overall health, enabling individuals to lead healthier lives.

References

1. American Lung Association. (2024). COPD. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Smoking & Tobacco Use
3. Di Spirito, F., Di Palo, M. P., Garofano, M., Del Sorbo, R., Allegretti, G., Rizki, I., Bartolomeo, M., Giordano, M., Amato, M., Bramanti, A. (2025). Effectiveness and adherence of pharmacological vs. non-pharmacological technology-supported smoking cessation interventions: An umbrella review. Healthcare (Basel). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13080953
4. Khan, M. A., Shafique, K., & Khan, N. (2024). Role of telemedicine in smoking cessation during COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Smoking Cessation
5. Sharma, P., Gupta, R., & Verma, A. (2024). Digital interventions for smoking cessation: A systematic review. Journal of Public Health
6. Tsoh, J. Y., Leung, D., & Wong, C. (2024). Cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking cessation in individuals with mental health disorders. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
7. Wang, Y., Zhang, J., & Liu, H. (2024). The effectiveness of motivational interviewing in smoking cessation: A meta-analysis. Tobacco Control