Jul 10, 2007 08:06PM GMT
Question
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Lifestyle - Health
Will this anti-smoking pill stop you from smoking, drinking and gambling?
A single pill appears to hold promise in curbing the urges to both smoke and drink, according to researchers trying to help people overcome addiction by targeting a pleasure center in the brain.The drug, called varenicline, already is sold to help smokers kick the habit. A new research suggests it could gain a second use in helping heavy drinkers quit too.
Varenicline works by latching onto the same receptors in the brain that nicotine binds to when inhaled in cigarette smoke, an action that leads to the release of dopamine in the brain's pleasure centers. Taking the drug blocks any inhaled nicotine from reinforcing that effect.
A recent study suggests not just nicotine but alcohol also acts on the same locations in the brain. That means a drug like varenicline, which makes smoking less rewarding, could do the same for drinking.
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raves +1 posted Jul 10, 2007 09:22PM GMT
Answered No
Someone has already mentioned the fact that will power and determination are the biggest factors in quitting. This society is lazy and depends too much on meds and surgery. Yes, sometimes those extremes may be warranted, but most of the time it is not. I am all for people getting healthy, I am just not sure there is any such thing as a wonder cure or wonder pill that will fix everything. -
raves +2 posted Jul 10, 2007 08:56PM GMT
Answered Yes
If a person chooses to take this pill, it will probably help, 1/2 the battle is the willingness to take a step in the "right direction." I think it would be good, seems many people want to quit smoking but cannot do it.
I do not have an addiction to any of the above, but if I did, I certainly would try it. I don't like things or people controlling my life. -
raves +1 posted Jul 10, 2007 08:21PM GMT (edited)
Answered No
Some people are drinking / smoking not because they're addicted to it, but because they enjoy doing it as a habit..
If this is the case, drugging the brain will not do much if the person is not quitting willingly.
P.S. Not sure how this affects gambling though..
I consider that will power is a big factor when it comes to quitting..especially if you're doing it for a purpose.. -
raves +3 posted Jul 10, 2007 08:13PM GMT
Answered Undecided
I think it really depends on the person, as well as some other factors. I think it WILL help in terms of the nicotine addiction etc. But I remember reading somewhere that people also just have that habit of smoking (taking their break, the hand motion of smoking a cigarette, etc) So in terms of that I don't know if it will help.
Answered Yes
I have quit smoking using a pill, quite like this one, with 100% satisfaction. I no longer have an urge to smoke, so I would therefore say that it is a good possibility that it is very possible.