Illinois Enacts New Public Smoking Ban

[January 02, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- New Year's resolution or not, health experts are hoping Illinois' new smoking ban provides smokers the kick-start they need to ditch the habit. Starting Jan. 1, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act will make it illegal to light up in virtually any public place in the state. But experts caution smokers still need more than just willpower -- and a new state law -- to break nicotine's hold.

"Some people can just make the decision and quit," said Andrea King, director of the clinical addictions research lab at the University of Chicago. "Other people need more support, need to make more attempts or need more comprehensive treatment."

Would-be quitters have more methods than ever to help quit smoking, thanks to new research.

There are already two FDA-approved prescriptions to help smokers. And researchers are also studying a vaccine and other medications.

Authorities said combining therapies such as counseling, medication and nicotine-replacement often gives smokers the best chance to kick the habit.

"We have made a lot of advances in understanding how to help people to quit," said Pebbles Fagan, a health scientist at the National Cancer Institute. "The important next step is making resources accessible to the people who need them and to make sure that people are aware of the resources that are out there."

Just ask Michael Slatton, a retired Army Ranger and 30-year smoker who tried quitting cold turkey without much luck.

Now he's enrolled in a clinical trial at the University of Chicago that studies whether a drug used to treat alcoholism and heroin addiction can help smokers. He's also going to counseling.

"You have no idea what it feels like not to be smoking," the Chicagoan said. "My health is better. I have more energy -- I mean, way more energy. I smell better. My house smells better. I don't have burns in my clothes. Food tastes better. I feel great."

Federal data shows more than two-thirds of smokers say they want to quit, but only six percent of those who try actually succeed for more than a month.

That's because nicotine stimulates the reward center in the brain, which release feelings of pleasure. Without that release, smokers can go into withdrawal, which can make it difficult to sleep or concentrate while causing anxiety, irritability and cravings.

Quitting for good often takes several attempts.

Studies show men and women respond differently to different quitting methods -- men tend to have more success with nicotine substitutes like patches and gum compared to women, who respond better to medication that helps diminish nicotine cravings.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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