Spyridon Zakynthinos

Treatment of tobacco addiction using the Feeling-State Addiction Protocol (FSAP) of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment

Compulsions and cravings for smoking have been the subject of behavioural treatment. EMDR is an established, effective treatment of trauma-based disorders. Resent findings suggest that a modified form of EMDR can also be used efficiently in the treatment of behavioural and substance addictions (Ricci 2006). Merging the Feeling-State Theory of Compulsions and EMDR, the Eye Movement Compulsion Protocol (EMCP) was developed. EMCP is used for fading both feelings and un-wanted behaviour related to smoking. The FSAP hypothesizes that the pleasure during smoking is imprinted in the brain generating feelings like comfort, contentment and happiness. Thus, when craving resurges, the Feeling-State (FS) behaviour is re-enacted. The EMCP incorporates the standard eye movement technique of EMDR to reduce the FS associated with impulsion to smoke. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the FSAP in the treatment of tobacco addiction of relapsed smokers with persistent compulsions to smoke. We studied 2 groups (12 smokers in each), that relapsed (at least 1 m after smoking cessation). Smokers were matched for age, sex, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence & pack/d. The FSAP although brief, results in profound changes in behaviour (Miller 2011). Consequently, the 1st group was administered 6 sessions of the FSAP protocol. The 2nd group had 6 sessions of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The 2 groups were compared for smoking cessation (self-reported questionnaire, CO-measurements). The 1st group had a succession rate of 50% vs the second that had only 25%. Thus, we conclude that EMDR could be a very helpful tool in managing smoking relapses.

Smoking prevention using experiential learning in children aged 5-9 yo

It is well established that attitudes and behaviors are strongly tied to childhood. The use of conventional teaching techniques as speeches and anti-smoking campaigns have been instrumental in shaping smoking attitudes but showed poor outcomes in smoking prevention among teenagers. In contrast experiential learning has proven helpful in improving outcomes and motivating pupils. We aim to investigate children9s perceptions towards healthy habits especially smoking and then subsequently reinforce their positive perceptions/attitudes through experiential learning. Hitherto, we visited 20 Nursery Schools and 25 Primary Schools in Athens; about 900 children benefited. We wrote and illustrated specifically “The fairy tale of breath” and engaged children in 5 activities (brainstorming, tale narration, role playing, singing, self expression) with much emphasis on making them active learners so as to convey knowledge and positive attitude towards good health and resist peer pressure.In order to evaluate what the children have internalized, we encouraged them to draw items of admiration and dislike. Repeated patterns are identified and critical understanding of children9s creations is developed. In addition the colors used were correlated with positive or negative healthy or smoking habits/behaviors. We found that 87% of children understood the importance of keeping healthy lungs as expressed both verbally and in drawings. Those findings confirmed the paramount importance of experiential learning as a strategic tool for identifying and eventually adapting healthy habits and avoiding smoking initiation. However these interventions should be repeated regularly as children grow up in order to establish these attitudes.

Couples of significant others (COSO) in a joint effort to quit smoking

Background Motivational support is crucial for the success of smoking cessation. Significant others are a proven source of that support [1,2]. As far as we know social support has been used to achieve smoking cessation higher rates, but only as support and not as a concurrent attempt of a couple to quit smoking. We investigated whether the inclusion of couples of significant others in a joint effort to quit smoking in smoking cessation groups formed by a population based sample of participants would increase their succession rate compared to the participants that receive the same treatment alone.