Other programs such as the nicotine patch and gum, Zyban and hypnosis do not break the physical addiction and their success rates are comparatively very low. The physical addiction is tough to break because withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, irritability, cold sweats, insomnia, cravings, and lack of focus, just to name a few.
 
The medicines are ATROPINE and SCOPOLAMINE. They are members of a family of drugs called anticholinergics. The medicines are FDA Approved, and have been used for over 100 years in anesthesia prior to surgery, testing of the eyes, for prevention of nausea, and poison antidotes.
 

 

THE TREATMENT

Anticholinergic Injections and Medications

Appointments are arranged each Friday afternoon at 4 pm by calling 1-877-NIC-SHOT.  Call at any time for information or to schedule an appointment. Qualifying questions will be asked as previously referenced to ensure the program is right for you.

Upon arriving at the doctor's office your 2 & 1/2 hour visit will include:

  • Completing a medical history and questionnaire,
  • An EKG test to screen for irregular heart beat,
  • A pulmonary (lung) function test, and
  • Video presentation describing the procedure, how it works and possible side effects.
  • Oral presentation by medical doctor describing chemical addiction, how it will affect you in years to come and how to manage addiction for long term success.

YOU MUST HAVE SOMEONE DRIVE YOU HOME
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

After reviewing your preliminary tests, our physician will:

  • Provide a brief physical exam and interview,
  • Administer a slow release dose of Atropine and Scopolamine by injection,
  • Test the reflex of the pupils of your eyes,
  • Administer a very small dose behind each ear to immediately block physical withdrawal symptoms, and
  • Prescribe your follow-up anticholinergic medications.

After the treatment, the most common side effects may include some or none of the following: light-headedness, dizziness, dry mouth, nose and throat, altered sense of taste and smell, constipation, and slightly blurred vision when focusing at different distances. Driving is strictly forbidden for 6 hours after your treatment. Visit Medline Plus for additional information about the medicines.

When you awaken in the morning, side affects should have subsided, and you will not have a physical craving for that first cigarette. A small portion of individuals may complain of bothersome fatigue or blurred vision for the first 2-6 days after treatment.

Additional Stop Smoking Resources and Group Education

Studies have shown that intensive stop smoking programs that combine multiple, concurrent interventions are superior to single modality approaches. That is to say, combining various medications, behavioral modification therapy, relaxation techniques and social support are superior to trying to stop with only one treatment approach. At FREELIFE we also teach basic meditation and hypnosis and prescribe antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications as needed. We use additional medications for select individuals that may help control long-term cravings. Our eight-week behavioral and educational course will help prepare some for the commitment and help others deal with the sudden change in their life. 

We will encourage you to invite all of your business associates, friends and family into your effort to stop smoking in order to provide you with encouragement, reinforcement and to help you if you are having emotional difficulties along your path. At FREELIFE we recognize that smoking is a complex issue involving emotional, behavioral and biochemical aspects.  At FREELIFE we approach your habit as an individual and tailor a program for you that may be limited to anticholinergic therapy but may include other interventions for patients that are willing and interested. At FREELIFE our goal is fixed on stopping you from smoking in any way possible. Our physicians and skilled nurses are available to you 24/7 to help you with any aspect of your treatment.

For a Full List of Services and Fees please see: Schedule of Ancillary Services and Fees

Contact Us at 1-877-NIC-SHOT

 

Why Our Treatment Works

Medical Treatment to Stop Smoking and Eliminate Nicotine AddictionThere is both a physical addiction and a psychological addiction to cigarettes. You must start by breaking the physical addiction – which is what our treatment does. Other programs such as the nicotine patch and gum, Zyban and hypnosis do not break the physical addiction and their success rates are very low. The physical addiction is tough to break because withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, irritability, cold sweats, insomnia, cravings, and lack of focus, just to name a few.

The psychological addiction is powerful as well. Because our treatment eliminates the torment of withdrawal, your psychological addiction will be much easier to break. Smoking habits can be replaced by non-smoking habits by making simple lifestyle changes. After receiving our treatment, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide that outlines the simple steps needed to make the necessary lifestyle change.

How It Works

By administering small amounts of non-addictive medication, we can inhibit the desire for nicotine and the physical effects of nicotine withdrawal. These medications bind to nicotine receptor sites in your brain and completely satisfy the body’s appetite for nicotine. Your brain is fooled into thinking that you have just smoked a cigarette. Blocking these receptor sites eliminates the urges and cravings to smoke and removes all of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

When you eliminate the symptoms of withdrawal normally associated with quitting, the non-smoking behaviors outlined in our take-home guide become much easier and actually fun. The end result is a permanent and lasting freedom from nicotine addiction without the agony and discomfort associated with quitting “cold turkey".

 
By attaching to acetylcholine receptor sites, nicotine stimulates nerve impulses. These impulses are sent to various parts of the brain, and other body organs, creating a mild sense of euphoria, improved concentration, organ stimulation and a state of mental relaxation that reinforces the habit of smoking.  Over time, the body adjusts to the stimulant effect of nicotine by counteracting its effects with large amounts of acetyl-choline produced and secreted in the midbrain. When nicotine is withdrawn suddenly acetylcholine acts as a depressant and is largely responsible for the physical and emotional side effects of the Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome. Our medications block acetylcholine and thus the Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome making quitting easier than you ever thought possible!!!
 
 
 
What is in the shot?
A combination of FDA approved medications (Atropine & Scopolamine) that go directly to the nicotine receptor sites and block them much like how Novocain works on a tooth. .
 
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