[Alternative therapies for smoking cessation: clinical practice guidelines review]

Abstract

Background: smoking is a chronic disease in the group of addictions and its treatment includes two components:psychosocial and pharmacological intervention. Other types of therapeutic approaches have been used as treatment options for tobacco addiction. Acupuncture, hypnosis and homeopathy are the most used nonconventional interventions.

Objective: review the available evidence in regards to the use of alternative therapies for smoking cessation in the adult population from the published clinical practice guidelines (CPG).

Methods: we performed an adaptation process of clinical recommendations from a systematic review of the literature specifically related to the use of alternative therapies for smoking cessation.

Results: we found 925 references, 9 were pre-screened and selected 5 CPG for adaptation.Acupuncture and related techniques do not improve abstinence rates compared to the placebo effect. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of hypnosis as a therapy for smoking cessation. There is no evidence that justifies the use of homeopathic medicines for the treatment of smoking.

Conclusions: alternative therapies have not demonstrated efficacy in cessation. It is recommended to use other treatment options with proven efficacy for smoking cessation.