[Alternative therapies for smoking cessation: clinical practice guidelines review]. / Terapias alternativas para la cesación de la adicción al tabaco: revisión de guías de práctica clínica.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: smoking is a chronic disease in the group of addictions and its treatment includes two componentspsychosocial and pharmacological intervention. Other types of therapeutic approaches have been used as treatment options for tobacco addiction. Acupuncture, hypnosis and homeopathy are the most used nonconventional interventions. OBJECTIVE: review the available evidence in regards to the use of alternative therapies for smoking cessation in the adult population from the published clinical practice guidelines (CPG). METHODS: we performed an adaptation process of clinical recommendations from a systematic review of the literature specifically related to the use of alternative therapies for smoking cessation. RESULTS: we found 925 references, 9 were pre-screened and selected 5 CPG for adaptation.Acupuncture and related techniques do not improve abstinence rates compared to the placebo effect. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of hypnosis as a therapy for smoking cessation. There is no evidence that justifies the use of homeopathic medicines for the treatment of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: alternative therapies have not demonstrated efficacy in cessation. It is recommended to use other treatment options with proven efficacy for smoking cessation.