Quitting smoking has long been a struggle for many, as cravings and withdrawal can impede progress. Many solutions have been developed over the years to guide smokers to give up tobacco for good. With technology becoming more advanced, it’s also being explored to aid smokers in quitting. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, has developed rapidly and is seeing more integration into various industries, healthcare included.
Our “The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Guide” post highlights that the concept of AI began in the 1950s and has since advanced and evolved into tech such as machine learning and deep learning, making tasks and processes faster and more efficient. Its various uses are now being explored for support for smokers, and it has the potential to revolutionize treatments and care. Here’s how AI is enhancing smoking cessation efforts:
Identifying and avoiding triggers
Smokers trying to quit often face hurdles like cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These challenges make it harder to stay off cigarettes, but triggers can further increase the urge to smoke. AI can help pinpoint certain triggers to help smokers avoid them, preventing them from derailing their progress in quitting.
Mobile Apps like Quit Sense use AI to identify locations where smokers have previously smoked and provide tailored recommendations to guide them through triggers in that specific area. The app uses machine learning technology to collect data on the instances of smoking that occurred in the past, including their timings, locations, and triggers. It then chooses what messages to display to offer support to smokers in managing smoking triggers.
Personalizing smoking cessation
Smoking cessation techniques and treatments may vary in effectiveness from smoker to smoker. AI can help tailor traditional smoking cessation methods like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
NRT products provide a smoke and tobacco-free nicotine experience, allowing users to gradually lower their nicotine dependence. Nicotine pouches are one such example, and they’re gaining popularity in the market for their convenience.
The selection of nicotine pouches on Prilla showcases the wide variety of flavors and strengths from top brands including ZYN, VELO, and Rouge. These range from traditional flavors like mint to more unique flavors like coffee, as well as a wide range of nicotine strengths, from 2mg to 30mg, allowing for more personalization.
Nicotine patches are also a popular choice. Patches from Habitrol provide an eight-week program with patches of varying doses to be used throughout the period, gradually lowering nicotine levels.
AI algorithms can analyze individual smoking habits and NRT usage data to determine the best dosage and timing for NRT delivery. AI programs like ChatGPT can also scan the internet for information and provide recommendations or information about various NRT products, allowing smokers to determine which may work best for their needs.
Having smoking cessation techniques be more personalized for individual smokers’ needs can help with making the process less challenging or draining, making it a process they can find enjoyment in.
→ The Impact of AI on Healthcare: Understanding the Advantages and Real-world Uses
Real-time support
Quitting smoking can be difficult without the right guidance and support. Some smokers may have some difficulty finding a support system to get quick help, so AI can step in and provide real-time support for smokers looking to quit.
Smokers going through nicotine withdrawal or cigarette cravings can benefit from the real-time support of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. These tools can provide distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, and motivational messages to help individuals overcome cravings and stay on track with their quit attempts.
With so much information that is easily accessible and available due to the internet, it can be easy for people to see insufficient advice or misinformation that won’t help them quit smoking. AI programs can help smokers get reliable help and tailored support.
The World Health Organization recently launched their AI-powered digital health worker Florence, who can help smokers find help for quitting smoking as well as get advice on other health aspects like nutrition, mental health, and COVID-19.
Cutting-edge technology gives Florence a human-like personality and appearance, offering users empathetic, informative, and understanding care.
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