Can Yoga Help You Quit Smoking? Miriam Hospital Researchers Want to Know

Posted Thursday, November 01, 2012

37th Great American Smoke Out takes place on November 15

November 15th marks the 37th Great American Smokeout, a day when smokers are encouraged to either make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. Because of their addiction to nicotine, many smokers experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and nicotine cravings, that can make the quitting process very difficult.

To help smokers quit, The Miriam Hospital offers Breatheasy – a smoking cessation program that has given many women and men the tools and support they need to overcome their tobacco addiction and start living healthier lives.

Funded by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, Breatheasy is an eight-week, group-based program and smoking cessation research study led by researchers at The Miriam Hospital’s Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine. Breatheasy provides information on how to prepare to stop smoking, ways to handle nicotine withdrawal, the skills needed to quit and the tools to stay smoke-free.

Participants in the study will be divided into two smoking cessation groups that will incorporate either a yoga program or a health and wellness program. Those in the yoga group will attend classes two times a week and receive a regimented yoga program to follow, while participants in the health and wellness group, who will also attend classes twice a week, will learn about lifestyle changes, health and prevention, healthy eating strategies and stress management. Both strategies have proven to be effective in helping with smoking cessation.

This study, which has been successful for many men and women already, is still enrolling participants; financial compensation is also given for completing assessment visits. Eligible participants should be:

• 18 years or older
• Currently healthy
• Not currently pregnant
• Not currently practicing yoga or mindfulness-based therapy
• Smoke at least five cigarettes a day/or more

For more information, contact the Breatheasy study research staff at 401-793-8223 or email Breatheasy@lifepsan.org

Filed under: Miriam, Research,