APPARATUS FOR GRADUALLY STOPPING AN ADDICTION

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a number of control buttons, a display, a central processing unit, a memory and an algorithm, the apparatus being portable, and the algorithm of the apparatus being intended for making the user aware and guiding the reduction of the use of certain addictive agents.

Description: Title: Apparatus for gradually stopping an addiction This invention relates to an entirely new type of apparatus intended for gradually stopping an addiction. To be considered in this connection are, for instance, an addiction to smoking, an addiction to drink, or a similar form of addiction. It is well known that a large proportion of smokers would, in principle, like to stop smoking. This applies basically to all forms of addiction, such as addiction to drink, to drugs, to sweets, and to gambling. However, the difficulty is that at certain moments external circumstances tempt the former addict to pick up the habit again . Thus, for instance, various books have been published which help the smoker stop smoking and indicate how the temptation to start smoking again can be resisted. Also, a large number of products are on the market which are aimed at making it easier to stop smoking. Such products include, for instance, nicotine chewing gum and nicotine adhesive patches. Further, from the literature, cigarette dispensers are known which dispense a cigarette only once in a given period. Such an apparatus is described, for instance, in US-A- 5, 203,472. Known furthermore are holders for cigarettes in which a single cigarette can be inserted and which comprise a mouthpiece . The point to which the cigarette is burnt depends on the length of the part of the cigarette which has been inserted into the holder. The products which have been put on the market for the purpose of stopping addictive behavior are all aimed at reducing the amount of addictive agent taken per unit time by the user, or at modifying the manner in which the addictive agent is taken. Only the commercially available books aim at offering the user assistance in conquering the addictive habit. The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which helps the user influence the habitual 2 behavior associated with an addiction. It often happens that addicts exchange the addictive habit for another habit. Well known is the example of the smoker who, after having stopped smoking, starts eating sweets. The apparatus according to the invention utilizes this inclination to lapse from the addictive habit to another habit. Needless to say, this new habit as such should not entail any detrimental side effects jeopardizing health. To that end, the invention provides an apparatus comprising a number of control buttons, a display, a central processing unit, a memory and an algorithm, the apparatus being portable, and the algorithm of the apparatus being intended for making a user aware and guiding the reduction of the use of certain addictive agents. Using the control buttons, data regarding the addictive behavior can be entered in the memory of the apparatus . In the course of time, entering these data into the apparatus becomes the habit which is to supplant the addictive habit of the user. Further, wearing and/or operating the apparatus will make it clear to third parties that the wearer is on the point of stopping, or has stopped, an addictive habit. Accordingly, individuals in similar situations can easily recognize each other and look to each other for support by talking about the addictive habit and the progress being made in breaking it. Optionally, to enhance recognizability, the apparatus has a striking color and/or form. To that end, according to a further elaboration of the invention, the algorithm comprises an initialization program which, depending on data input through the control buttons, fills the memory with data about the addictive behavior. According to a further elaboration of the invention, with the aid of the initialization program, during an initialization period, at least the following data can be stored in the memory: dose of addictive agent contained in a unit of administration of the addictive agent, such as, for instance, the amount of nicotine contained in a cigarette; - the time of each use of a unit of administration of the addictive agent; the reason for each use of a unit of administration of the addictive agent; and the strength of the need prior to each use of a unit of the addictive agent. In this connection, according to a further elaboration of the invention, the strength of the need can be expressed on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 representing minimal need and 10 representing maximal need. On the basis of these data, following the initialization period during which the user of the apparatus is to continue his addiction in the normal way, the algorithm can calculate an individual addiction index. According to a further elaboration of the invention, such an individual addiction index can be determined on the basis of the following formula: individual addiction index = (a*b*c) /d, wherein: a = sum of the memory-stored strengths of the need prior to the events of use during the initialization period; b = dose of addictive agent per unit of administration; c = a constant; d = the number of days covered by the initialization period. Accordingly, the individual addiction index is an index number of which the value is a measure of the extent to which the user is addicted. In the case of a smoker, a is, for instance, 140 x 7 when the smoker smokes 20 cigarettes a day and when, each time he lighted a cigarette, he experienced a slightly above-average need for 4 a cigarette; b is, for instance, 1.4 when a cigarette contains 1.4 mg of nicotine; c is, for instance, 1; and d is 7 when the initialization period has covered 7 days. The index number in that case is 196. Since such a number corresponds to the smoking behavior of an average heavy smoker, selecting a number of 1.96 for the constant c might be considered, so that the index number for an average heavy smoker equals 100. Someone who smokes, for instance, 20 cigarettes a day with a nicotine content of 0.7 mg then has an individual addiction index of 50. Thus, an index number can be linked to the addictive behavior of a user. Initially, the use of the apparatus can be aimed at reducing this index number in a number of successive weeks. Eventually, however, the user will have to stop his addiction altogether. For the user to experience support from the apparatus also in the period following his taking the addictive agent for the last time, the algorithm of the apparatus, according to a further elaboration of the invention, comprises a registration program which becomes operative after the initialization period and, depending on data input through the control buttons, calculates a current addiction index. To that end, according to a further elaboration of the invention, the registration program, on the basis of the data input via the control buttons, can store the following data in the memory: each time at which the user feels an urge to take the addictive agent; - the strength of the need each time the user feels the urge to take the addictive agent; and the reason for the need of the addictive agent. Here, too, the strength of the need can be expressed on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 representing minimal need and 10 maximal need. On the basis of these data, the algorithm of the apparatus, in accordance with a further elaboration of the invention, can calculate the current addiction index on the basis of the following formula: current addiction index = (f*g*h)/i wherein: f = the sum of the strengths, stored in the memory during a measuring period, of the need when the urge to take an addictive agent presents itself; g = the dose of the addictive agent contained in a unit of administration at the time of the initialization period; h = a constant ; and i = a measuring period. A smoker who has stopped smoking may, for instance, think of a cigarette 20 times a day feeling maximum need; in that case, f is 200 when the measuring period is selected to be 1 day. The dose of the addictive agent is the dose of the addictive agent at the time when the user still had the habit. In the present example, g is therefore 1. . As stated, i is 1 when the measuring period is expressed in days. In this example, the current addiction index has a value of 280. The current addiction index in this example is therefore higher than the individual addiction index. This is the consequence of the fact that the user has a stronger craving for a cigarette while quitting than during smoking, since during smoking the need for a cigarette is satisfied each time by lighting a cigarette. As soon as the need for a cigarette exceeds a certain value, the user will simply light a cigarette, whereupon the need for a next cigarette lessens again. The constant h in the formula for the calculation of the current addiction index is therefore preferred to have the same value as the constant c of the formula for the calculation of the individual addiction index. In that way, the individual addiction index and the current addiction index can be meaningfully compared. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the measuring period is one day and the current addictive need is stored in the memory at the end of each day. For the purpose of visualizing the development of the addictive habit and in particular the progress in stopping the addiction, the algorithm of the apparatus includes an output program for displaying the data stored in the memory and/or calculated by the central processing unit. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the output program can output, for instance, a ratio representing the amount of progress made in getting out of the habit, the ratio being determined by the following formula: ratio = (j/k)*l, wherein: j = individual addiction index k = current addiction index in a measuring period 1 = constant . The constant 1 can be set at, for instance, 100, so that the ratio is expressed in a percentage. Someone who has newly stopped his addiction will have an index number slightly higher than 100% because the urge to take the addictive agent increases through abstention. Also, initially, his thoughts will turn very frequently to the addictive agent, probably more frequently than the number of times the user actually took the addictive agent. In the course of time, however, the user's addiction lessens, so that he will think of the addictive agent less often and when he does, the need for the addictive agent will be less strong. In that case, the percentage will rapidly fall below 100%. When the user has gotten rid of his addiction completely, the percentage is particularly low. The user thinks of the addictive agent only a few times a week and feels but a very minor need for it . According to a further elaboration of the invention, the apparatus can comprise a control unit including at least the control buttons and the display, while the 7 algorithm is stored in a cartridge or mass data carrier or the like, adapted to be placed in the control unit. It will be clear that such a cartridge or mass data carrier intended for a control unit of the above-described apparatus is also part of the invention. The invention will presently be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment which will be further described hereinafter, with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of the initialization program; Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of the registration program; and Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of the output program. Fig. 1 shows a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus comprises a casing 1 which includes a display 2 and comprises, in the present case, five buttons A, B, C, D and E. The casing 1 accommodates a memory and a central processing unit. Optionally, a watch strap or watch chain can be attached to the casing, so that the apparatus can easily be carried along. It will be clear that Fig. 1 is an enlarged representation of the apparatus in reality. In the subject exemplary embodiment, under normal circumstances, the display 2 will indicate the time, day, and date. To enter some basic data in the apparatus, the apparatus includes a set-up button E. After operation of this set-up button E, a number of initial data can be entered, such as the time, the date, the name of the owner, and possibly the dose of the addictive agent contained in a unit of administration, such as, for instance, the tar content and/or the nicotine content of a cigarette. The left-hand portion of the flowchart shown in Fig. 2 indicates which input data can be entered under the set-up button E. This input is ended by pressing button B. The right-hand portion of the flowchart shown in Fig. 2 indicates which data 8 regarding the addictive habit can be entered during an initialization period which covers, for instance, one week. The present apparatus is intended for someone addicted to smoking. As soon as the smoker lights up a cigarette, he must press button A. As the flowchart clearly shows, the time function is then switched off and the counter which keeps record of how many cigarettes have been lighted in the initialization period is increased by 1. Then the reason for smoking can be specified. For this purpose, button C or D can be used to scroll through a menu which proposes a number of reasons. Reasons can be, for instance: cigarette lighted out of habit, cigarette against stress, cigarette after dinner, cigarette after sex, cigarette for the sake of concentration, etc. When the proper reason has been found, button B is pressed. Then it should further be specified how strong the need for the cigarette was when it was lighted. The strength of the need, which can vary from 1 to 10, with 1 representing minimal need and 10 maximum need, can likewise be selected using the scroll buttons C and D. When the proper selection has been made, the choice is confirmed with button B. This process is repeated for a week. At the end of the week, the algorithm will leave the routine shown, and switch to the lower block of the flowchart of the initialization program. In the lower part, the individual addiction index is calculated on the basis of the above-discussed formula. The addiction index, which will be referred to hereinafter as smoking index, is stored in the memory of the apparatus and displayed on the display. Optionally, a sound signal can be produced, so that the user's attention is drawn to the fact that the display of the apparatus displays the individual smoking index. Then the time indication can be switched on again and the initialization program is closed. The flowchart of the initialization program has now been traversed completely. Subsequently, the user is to stop his addiction, that is, in this case, smoking. The algorithm now proceeds to the registration program, the flowchart of which is shown in Fig. 3. Each time an urge to smoke occurs, the smoker who has stopped smoking presses button A. The time function is switched off and the counter which registers the number of moments when an urge to smoke is felt, is increased by 1. Then the smoker can specify a reason for the urge. This reason can be, for instance, stress, cigarette after dinner, cigarette after sex, cigarette in a sociable atmosphere, cigarette for concentration, etc. As with the initialization program, these reasons can be called by scrolling through a menu, using buttons C and D. When the proper choice has been made, it is confirmed through button B. Then it must be specified how strong the need for the cigarette was when the urge to smoke occurred. To specify this need, likewise a selection from a scale from 1 to 10 can be made. By scrolling with button C or D, the proper strength can be indicated, and be confirmed with button B. These data are stored in the memory and the time function becomes operative again. At any desired time, for instance by pressing button B, the current smoking index can be calculated. The current smoking index is calculated on the basis of the formula described hereinabove for calculating the current addiction index. In any case, the algorithm calculates the current smoking index at the end of each day and it stores this current smoking index per day in the memory. However, it is also possible for the current smoking index to be calculated instantaneously by pressing button B. This registration basically continues for as long as the user has stopped his addiction. To observe the state of affairs regarding the addiction, the algorithm includes an output program, the flowchart of which is shown in Fig. 4. By pressing button B, the time function is switched off and the current smoking index and the individual smoking index are read 10 from the memory and the ratio between these two indexes is calculated. Optionally, the ratio can be multiplied by 100, so that the ratio is expressed in a percentage. In the flowchart of the output program, this ratio is designated by the term "stop-smoking index". When subsequently button C is pressed, the last calculated stop-smoking index is shown on the display. By subsequently pressing button B, the time is displayed on the display again. When after starting the output program, that is, after pressing button B, button D is pressed, the log of the successively calculated stop-smoking indexes per day is shown, starting with the first calculated stop-smoking index. Using button D, the stop-smoking index of the next day can be called, while pressing button C allows scrolling to the previous day and calling the stop-smoking index of that previous day. To close this log inspection, button B can be pressed again, whereupon the time is displayed on the display again. In general, it is preferred that the algorithm is stored in the permanent memory (ROM or EPROM) of the apparatus . The current data about the user and his addictive behavior will be stored in the random access memory (RAM) . It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described, but that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. A similar apparatus can equally be provided for addictions to, for instance, drink, drugs, sweets or gambling. Optionally, the algorithm can give the user pointers or directions to reduce the urge to take the addictive agent.

Claims: 11 CLAIMS 1. An apparatus comprising a number of control buttons, a display, a central processing unit, a memory and an algorithm, the apparatus being portable, and the algorithm of the apparatus being intended for making a user aware and guiding the reduction of the use of certain addictive agents . 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the algorithm comprises an initialization program which, depending on data input through the control buttons, fills the memory with data about the addictive behavior during an initialization period. 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that with the aid of the initialization program, during the initialization period, at least the following data are stored in the memory: dose of addictive agents contained in a unit of administration of the addictive agent; the time of each use of a unit of administration of the addictive agent; - the reason for each use of a unit of administration of the addictive agent; and the strength of the need felt with each use of a unit of the addictive agent. 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the strength of the need is expressed on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 representing minimal need and 10 representing maximal need. 5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the algorithm, following the initialization period, calculates an individual addiction index on the basis of the data stored in the memory during the initialization period. 12 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the individual addiction index is determined on the basis of the following formula: individual addiction index = (a*b*c) /d, wherein: a = sum of the memory-stored strengths of the need at the events of use during the initialization period; b = dose of addictive agent per unit of administration; c = a constant; d = the number of days covered by the initialization period. 7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the algorithm comprises a registration program which becomes operative after the initialization period and, depending on data input through the control buttons, calculates a current addiction index. 8. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the registration program, on the basis of the data input through the control buttons, stores the following data in the memory: each time when the user feels an urge to take the addictive agent; the strength of the need each time when the user feels the urge to take the addictive agent; and the reason for the need for the addictive agent. 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the strength of the need is expressed on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 representing a minimal need and 10 a maximal need. 10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that the algorithm calculates the current addiction index on the basis of the following formula: current addiction index = (f*g*h)/i wherein: 13 f = the sum of the strengths, stored in the memory during a measuring period, of the need when the urge to take an addictive agent occurs; g = the dose of the addictive agent contained in a unit of administration during the initialization period; h = a constant ; and i = the measuring period. 11. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the measuring period is one day, and the current addiction index is stored in the memory at the end of each day. 12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the algorithm includes an output program for displaying the data stored in the memory and/or calculated by the central processing unit. 13. An apparatus according to at least claims 5 and 8 , characterized in that the output program outputs a ratio representing the amount of progress in breaking the habit, the ratio being determined by the following formula: (j/k)*l, wherein: j = individual addiction index k = current addiction index in a period mentioned 1 = constant . 14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the memory is designed as ROM (Read Only Memory) or EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory) , the algorithm being stored in the ROM or EPROM memory. 15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a control unit including at least the control buttons and the display, while the algorithm is stored in a cartridge or mass data carrier or the like adapted to be placed in the control unit . 16. A cartridge or mass data carrier intended for an apparatus according to claim 14.

Inventors: HAZENBOS BARTHOLOMEUS FRANCISC, HAZENBOS, BARTHOLOMEUS, FRANCISCUS, WILHELMUS
Applicants: HAZENBOS BARTHOLOMEUS FRANCISC, HAZENBOS, BARTHOLOMEUS, FRANCISCUS, WILHELMUS
Application year: 1998
Main classification: G06F15
IPC codes: A61B5, G06F15