Nicotine addiction

— smoking causes 6 million deaths a year

View our video on nicotine addiction and our treatment at The Kusnacht Practice

About nicotine addiction

The nature of dependency

Nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a relaxant. This means that it can pacify our emotions and concentrate our thoughts. This makes it a highly addictive drug. That is why many people find it almost impossible to stop smoking without seeking professional medical assistance. In fact, the “World Health Organization” has stated that counselling and medical support can double the chances that a smoker who wishes to quit will succeed. The health benefits of giving up smoking can be enormous.

Symptoms and effects of nicotine addiction

Most people are aware that smoking is bad for our health – yet due to the powerful hold of nicotine, it is a habit extremely difficult to break. Cigarette smoke contains around 4,000 chemicals. These include at least 250 substances that are deemed to be harmful and 50 of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine addiction and smoking harms almost every organ of the human body and impairs the immune system. The side effects of nicotine can affect the heart, hormones and the gastrointestinal system.

The most common symptoms of nicotine addiction

experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempts to quit (shaky hands, sweating, irritability, or rapid heart rate)
the need to smoke after every meal or after long periods of time without smoking
continued smoking despite the occurence of health problems
needing tobacco products to feel “normal”
turning to tobacco during times of stress

Nicotine addiction treatment

Thankfully, many smokers can – and do – successfully become abstinent from nicotine. However, the strong cravings that result from nicotine withdrawal can make it very difficult to cease smoking without the care and support of clinical experts and counsellors. In fact, the “World Health Organization” has stated that counselling and medical support can double the chances that a smoker who wishes to quit will succeed. At The Kusnacht Practice, we believe our unique method of combining evidence-based medical therapies with complementary treatments and spiritual programmes is the best way forward. Our long-term goal is to assist you – and your family – to achieve a healthy lifestyle without the need for nicotine.

Costs

We provide the very best care and comfort. Our fees are typically between CHF 80,000 – CHF 120,000 per week, depending on the requirements of the individual client. Fees are settled directly by the client (we do not work with insurance companies) and we can supply written quotations upon request.

The Kusnacht Practice services are not covered by Swiss health insurances. All costs are to be covered directly by the clients. Patients who are domiciled in Switzerland and are therefore mandatorily health insured may be reimbursed by their health insurance for medical services in accordance with the Federal Law on Health Insurance (KVG) and its implementing provisions.

Our therapy methods

Client testimonial

Stella, 60

“When I was a heavy smoker, there were always lots of triggers that led to me to light up at home or at work … I was using cigarettes as an emotional crutch to prop me up.”

Treatment enquiries

Marina Kharinskaya
Call: +41 43 499 60 50
Email: treatment@kusnachtpractice.ch

Or fill out our form with your request

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General enquiries

Call: +41 43 541 11 52
Email: info@kusnachtpractice.ch