Iowa Woman Would Rather Be Locked Up Than Light Up
Jodi Perkins got so frustrated by her failed attempts to quit smoking that she called the Polk County Jail and asked to be locked up.
The sheriff’s department was sympathetic, but they couldn’t help her out—their jail was already full.
Jodi’s nicotine addiction has grown into a two pack a day obsession that she is desperate to get rid of. She’s aware of the serious health risks associated with smoking and reports that she already experiences breathing difficulties, but she still can’t manage to break her dangerous habit. Perkins tried various nicotine patches and gums, but found they didn’t provide her significant relief from physiological cigarette cravings. Her family even discussed the option of handcuffing her in the bathroom with food and water, but they worried she might get caught in a fire.
So where do Jodi and thousands of other smokers looking for intervention turn for help?
Drug and chemical rehabilitation centers are now starting to pay increased attention to the problem of nicotine addiction, but only a few centers around the nation currently offer inpatient treatment programs. One such program is taking place at Mayo Clinic’s Nicotine Dependence Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Mayo’s week-long program includes treatments to ease withdrawal symptoms, intensive cognitive therapy sessions, escorts, and CO2 machines that detect when a patient has been smoking. The programs appear to be working well, but they can be expensive and some insurance plans don’t cover the costs.
Future ex-smokers looking for additional support can also call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or the National Cancer Institute at 1-877-44U-QUIT. Hearing impaired individuals can call 1-800-332-8615 to get assistance. All these services are free.
Source: ABC News
Related Links: National Business Group on Health; American College of Physicians; The Business (UK)
Related Video: New York State Anti-Smoking Ad
Spanish Link: AHRQ
Tags: smoking cessation; lung cancer
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