Smoking cessation success rate and its relation to severity of nicotine withdrawal syndrome

Smoking cessation at any age is the most effective way to reduce disease progression especially in pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Understanding the barriers against successful quit can increase the efficacy of smoking cessation programs. In this study we have evaluated the relation between successful cessation and intensity of nicotine withdrawal syndrome. It was a cross sectional study. During a one year course the volunteers stopped their smoking by nicotine gum under the supervision of the physician. At the end of the course the intensity of nicotine withdrawal syndrome was evaluated. Then the relation between smoking cessation rate and the intensity of nicotine withdrawal syndrome was evaluated. 298 participants were studied. 67.8% were male and 74.2% were married. The mean age of participants was 38.5±11 years. At the end of the course 45% were successful in smoking cessation. The mean score of craving in successful and unsuccessful participants was 4.6±3.7 and 8±3, respectively (p<0.001). The mean score of restlessness in successful and unsuccessful participants was 3.8±3.2 and 6.2±3.9, respectively (p=0.003). The mean score of anxiety among successful and unsuccessful participants was 3.4±3.2 and 5.4±3.6, respectively (p=0.01). There was statistical relation between intensity of some of nicotine withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, and craving) with successful cessation. So implementation of special treatment for these signs and symptoms is valuable in smoking cessation program.