Laser therapy offers alternative to quitting smoking

By Haley Cohen
Contributing Writer

A new laser , formerly available only in Canada and Europe, may be the answer to quitting smoking once and for all.

Freedom Laser Therapy Clinic, located in Royal Oak, uses low-level laser therapy to permanently end nicotine addiction.

Communication major Sarah Paske, 21, has been smoking cigarettes for three years.

“I want to quit. I am so sick of craving cigarettes all day and they smell. I really want to try laser therapy to quit smoking,” she said.

The laser therapy operates on principles similar to the ancient Asian healing known as acupuncture. Acupuncture is known to reduce tension, increase circulation and enable the body to relax more deeply.

Craig Nabat, a Detroit native, first opened Freedom Laser Therapy Clinic in 2005 after being treated with laser therapy and kicking the habit of smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes a day for 20 years.

“Marketing geniuses backed by millions in advertising dollars tricked us into thinking smoking is glamorous, cool and sexy,” Nabat said. “Now it is my quest to enlighten smokers that they were just duped and through the usage of laser therapy undo global damage already caused by cigarette smoking.”

How laser therapy works

Laser therapy is considered a non-medical procedure. The laser is no more powerful than a 20-watt light bulb and helps to promote the release of endorphins in the body.

The painless procedure lasts about 30 minutes. The laser is used to stimulate energy points on the hands, face, and ears, which are associated with nicotine addiction, according to Nabat.

The laser acts as a tool to assist the client through the initial physical withdrawal from nicotine.

“The first 72 hours of quitting is considered to be crucial for detoxification. The laser mimics a similar endorphin released for a period of three to five days following , which aids in alleviating stress associated with giving up nicotine,” Nabat said.

During the procedure the client watches a video dealing with the psychological aspects of their addiction and is given a 10-day vitamin detoxification regimen to complete .

How effective is laser therapy?

The Royal Oak office has treated more than 800 patients. The office claims a nine out of 10 success rate in helping patients to quit.

The laser is designed to help clients physically cope with urges and cravings, but it does not take away psychological addictions to nicotine.

“Each client has a unique level to their own addiction, so laser therapy cannot be guaranteed, but Freedom will work closely with each client to ensure their success,” said Nabat.

The facts about smoking

The American Heart Association last year estimated that 26.3 million men and 21.2 million women are smokers.

Ninety percent of all smokers begin smoking before the age of 21 and 3,000 new teenagers per day are experimenting with smoking, according to the American Lung Association.

“Cigarettes contain over 4,000 deadly toxins including nicotine, which reaches the brain within seven seconds,” said Dr. David Rosman, internist. “Smoking is one of the worst habits a person can have and anything that can assist in quitting is a major breakthrough.”