Jump to full article: Boca Raton (FL) News, 2005-04-11
Author: Nicol Jenkins
Intro: Three local physicians, Dr. Andrew Astrove, Dr. Joseph Purita and Dr. Harvey Plosker, are administering the stop smoking program called 'Quit 1-2-3' at the Oaks Medical Center off of Glades Road.
In the program, the doctors administer a 'needle-less' shot composed of antcholinergic medication to help fight nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Then, the clients wear a patch under their ear and take pills for a couple of weeks to help lessen the cravings.
Dr. Andrew Astrove said he started the program with his colleagues in an effort to reach those smokers who had been unable to quit using other methods.
"We recognized that nicotine addiction is a very complex addiction, not only chemically but psychologically. Therefore, it's very difficult for anyone to quit smoking," said Astrove. "It makes me feel good that I'm helping people live a healthier life."
In contrast to other methods such as the patch and the nicotine gum which substitute nicotine for nicotine, according to Astrove, the medication in the shot goes through the bloodstream to help fight the cravings for a cigarette.
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