Nicotine Chewing Gum and the Medicalization of Smoking
Authors: ALAN BLUM
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1984)

Editorials1 July 1984Nicotine Chewing Gum and the Medicalization of SmokingALAN BLUM, M.D.ALAN BLUM, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-101-1-121 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptDespite insufficient evidence to their advertised claims of success, expensive commercially available aids and clinics for smoking cessation proliferate. Methods include hypnotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, rapid smoking, special diets, filters, self-help books and tape cassettes, aversive conditioning with electric shocks, vivid films on smoking-related diseases, and even a live-in stop-smoking program (1). In Schwartz's comprehensive review (2) of tried but unproved methods for smoking cessation over the last century, chemical remedies abound: silver acetate, quinine sulfate, meprobamate, hydroxyzine, diazepam, amphetamines, anticholinergic agents, local anesthetics, astringent mouthwashes, garlic, vegetable-based products, placebos, nicotine substitutes such as lobeline (for example, the over-the-counter preparations...References1. BLUM A. "Single-day" treatment for smoking cessation. JAMA. 1980;244:191-2. Google Scholar2. SCHWARTZ J. A critical review and evaluation of smoking control methods. Public Health Rep. 1969;84:483-506. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Transcript of the Meeting of the Drug Abuse Advisory Committee, June 22, 1983. Bethesda: Food and Drug Administration; 1983:107. Google Scholar4. Transcript of the Meeting of the Drug Abuse Advisory Committee, June 22, 1983. Bethesda: Food and Drug Administration; 1983:47. Google Scholar5. JARVISRAWRUSSELLFEYERABEND MMMC. Randomised controlled trial of nicotine chewing-gum. Br Med J [Clin Res]. 1982;285:537-40. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar6. CHRISTENMCDONALDOLSONDROOKSTOOKEY AJBCG. Efficacy of nicotine chewing gum in facilitating smoking cessation. J Am Dent Assoc. 1984;108:594-7. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar7. RUSSELLMERRIMANSTAPLETONTAYLOR MRJW. Effect of nicotine chewing gum as an adjunct to general practitioners' advice against smoking. Br Med J [Clin Res]. 1983;287:1782-5. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar8. Comparison of four methods of smoking withdrawal in patients with smoking related diseases: report by a subcommittee of the Research Committee of the British Thoracic Society. Br Med J [Clin Res]. 1983;286:595-7. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar9. RAWJARVISFEYERABENDRUSSELL MMCM. Comparison of nicotine chewing-gum and psychological treatments for dependent smokers. Br Med J. 1980;281:481-2. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar10. BENOWITZHALLHERNINGJACOBJONESOSMAN NSRBRA. Smokers of low-yield cigarettes do not consume less nicotine. N Engl J Med. 1983;309:139-42. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar11. RUSSELLWILSONTAYLORBAKER MCCC. Effect of general practitioners' advice against smoking. Br Med J. 1979;2:231-5. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Lake Success, New York PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byPublic Attitudes Toward the Treatment of Nicotine AddictionOver-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy: a methodological review of the evidence supporting its effectivenessAddiction and the Bipolar SpectrumMethods for Stopping Cigarette SmokingHEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEERespiratory Problems in the ElderlyKicking the nicotine habitNicotine Chewing GumROBERT W. JOHNSON, M.D., DANIEL LEVINE, M.D. 1 July 1984Volume 101, Issue 1Page: 121-123KeywordsAcupunctureAmphetaminesAnestheticsDiazepamDietNicotineQuinineShockSmoking cessation Issue Published: 1 July 1984 PDF downloadLoading ...