Smoking Cessation Treatments: Current Psychological and Pharmacological Options

Background: Smoking is considered an epidemic, indeed, one of the most important public health problems worldwide. It is also the most significant preventable cause of death, of a high number of premature deaths, and avoidable chronic diseases. It is considered an enormous economic burden for the world. Objective: To provide an overview of smoking-cessation treatments, including pharmacological and psychological options, and to gather current scientific evidence available on them. Methods: Research included reviewing publications from 2007-2018 in four databases using algorithms related to bupropion, varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, smoking cessation, psychological treatment, motivational interview, cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical guidelines for smoking treatment. Meta-analyses or systematic reviews and randomized or quasirandomized trials were selected. We also included clinical guidelines for smoking treatment from Mexico and other countries. Results: After refining the search, 37 articles met the criteria and were included in the review. The results were grouped by type of intervention. Conclusions: It is necessary to conduct research on combinations of both kinds of treatment with an integral, multidisciplinary vision. Current standard for smoking cessation is a combined psychological and pharmacological treatment. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2019;71:7-16)