A study published online in European Respiratory Journal concluded that plastic fake nicotine free cigarettes may help some people quit the habit. In Europe these are used in conjunction with drugs, nicotine replacement, and counseling.
One hundred twenty cigarette smokers who were enrolled in a program to quit smoking were divided into two samples. All had smoked at least 20 cigarettes daily for 10 years. All were treated with a nicotine patch, bupropion, and counseling. One of the two groups used the plastic fake cigarette whereas the other group followed the usual routine. All completed a questionnaire to determine their physical and behavioral dependence on cigarettes. After 24 weeks they were asked if they had been sucessful in abstaining from smoking.
Findings showed no significant difference in quit rates but those who were more behaviorally dependent on cigarettes had a threefold higher success rate (66.7%) when using the inhaler than those who did not use it (19.2%). Researchers concluded that success may be increased by using the non nicotine inhaler for smokers who rely on the behavioral pattern of handling a cigarette.