The Newest and Most Advanced Treatment Options for Smoking Cessation

Tobacco-related deaths have exceeded 6 million a year, with over half a trillion dollars of economic damage, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is why smoking is considered one of the most prevalent and destructive addictions in human history. Yet another dire need has led to the development of the Brainsway H4 TMS coil for smoking cessation, which received FDA approval in 2020. The newest Brainsway TMS coils have taken the immensely successful H coil technology to the next level by reaching deeper areas of the Human brain. TMS, coupled with existing medication options, can drastically improve the quit rates of even the most addicted smokers.

High-frequency TMS focused on the Lateral Pre-Frontal Cortex (LPFC) and the Insula reduces nicotine addiction with high and long-lasting abstinence rates.

Q: What is TMS?

A: TMS is the acronym for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which is a cutting-edge treatment for depression that involves stimulation of brain tissue using electromagnetic pulses. This noninvasive procedure improves symptoms of depression by activating the parts of the brain associated with mood control and depression. TMS has grown in popularity due to the high degree of effectiveness for Treatment Resistant Depression, OCD, and now Smoking Cessation, while having very few side effects and absolutely no circulation of medication in the bloodstream.

Q: How Does TMS for Smoking Cessation Work

A: Nicotine induces neuroadaptations in the brain that alter dopamine levels and cortical excitability. These long-lasting changes in the brain increase cravings for cigarettes, which is especially notable every time someone tries to quit. Neural circuits coming from the Ventral Tegmental Area into the reward-related areas of the brain are stimulated by nicotine and eventually lead to addiction. High-frequency TMS focused on the Lateral Pre-Frontal Cortex (LPFC) and the Insula reduces nicotine addiction with high and long-lasting abstinence rates in treatment-resistant smokers.

Q: How Is A Treatment Session With The H4 for Smoking Cessation Administered?

A: Treatment with the H4 starts a mapping session to determine both the treatment location and the "dose" of TMS. The dose or intensity of the magnetic pulse is based on a specific percentage of an individual's motor threshold. The motor threshold is the amount of stimulation that is just enough to provoke movement of a target muscle group (depending on the coil) 50% of the time. Once the dose and the treatment location have been determined, the TMS can be administered.

For the treatment of smoking cessation, a "provocation" is done prior to administering TMS. A "provocation" is the use of a cue that will provoke the intensification of cravings to smoke a cigarette. This activates the neural circuits involved in addiction to cigarettes. The TMS is then administered for a series of 18 successive treatments to stimulate the target areas, which are the lateral pre-frontal cortex and the insula. Once a month, maintenance sessions help maintain the response.

Q: Can Medications for Smoking Cessation be Administered Together with TMS?

A: Yes, medications such as Chantix and Bupropion can be given together with TMS to further improve the rates of smoking cessation. The combination of TMS and medication is safe and has the potential to be more effective than either of these modalities alone. Both options are available at the Delray Center for Healing.

Raul J Rodriguez M.D. is the founder, CEO, and Medical Director of the Delray Center For Healing and the Delray Center for Brain Science, outpatient Mental Health Treatment Centers, which offer comprehensive Major Depression treatment programs that include advanced treatments such as therapeutic Ketamine infusions, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), DBT psychotherapy and skills training, advanced psychopharmacology, and holistic treatments.

Delray Center For Healing

403 SE 1st Street

Delray Beach, FL 33483

561-266-8866

www.delraycenter.com

www.delraybrainscience.com