Hypnosis
Some smokers use hypnosis as a tool for quitting. During private sessions with a therapist, hypnotherapy utilizes techniques like guided imagery, meditation and relaxation to relax the subject. Hypnotherapists work on convincing a person's subconscious to break the emotional ties with smoking. Once the patient is in a relaxed state, the hypnotherapist offers motivations for quitting smoking and reinforces a positive self-image for the subject. Through mental relaxation and conditioning techniques they learn, many smokers are able to quit using hypnosis therapy.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a healing technique derived from ancient Chinese medicine in which needles are placed in certain nerves on the body that are believed to play a role in a specific health problem. Acupuncture is thought to cause endorphin release, decreasing the withdrawal symptoms that occur with quitting smoking.

The acupuncture technique most widely used for smoking cessation is to attach small, curved staples to three different places around the edge of the ear. The patient is then instructed to apply pressure to each staple, in a particular order, when cigarette craving occurs. Acupuncture for smoking cessation has become popular and more wide-spread, but its long term success rates have not been fully studied.

Bupropion (Zyban)
Bupropion is a unique antidepressant used to aid in smoking cessation. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996, and marketed under the brand name Zyban, this prescription-only medication is an easy-to-use pill with few side effects. Bupropion increases the effects of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which may play a strong role in nicotine addiction.

The medication enhances brain chemistry to bring on the same pleasurable effects that nicotine has in a smoker. Bupropion is not habit-forming and does not alter mood — it gives no "high" feeling. Also, don't be deceived by the term "antidepressant." Bupropion is still effective in the cessation process even for those who don't suffer from depression. Bupropion may be right for you, but before you discuss it with your healthcare provider, consider the following:

• Bupropion may take 2-3 weeks to begin working, so should be started before the actual targeted stop-smoking date.
• Bupropion can be used alone or with nicotine replacement therapy. Studies show high success rates in people who used bupropion along with a nicotine patch for long term smoking cessation.
• Bupropion has been used for several years as an anti-depressant under the name Wellbutrin, but is an effective smoking cessation aid even in people with no depression. Those who do not suffer from depression that use bupropion for smoking cessation will have no noticeable effect on mood.
• Bupropion is not addictive, and unlike nicotine replacement therapy can be used long-term.
• Although most people tolerate bupropion well, some people experience a few side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, headache, nervousness, excessive sweating and insomnia. Most of these side effects occur the drug is started and subside with continued use.
• If you have a history of seizure or epilepsy, bupropion may not be the best choice. Make certain that your doctor is aware of any history of seizures before prescribing bupropion.