Crush Virtual Cigarettes To Increase Chances Of Quitting

When it comes to quitting addictions, it’s not only a physical battle, but a mental one as well. Researchers are trying to help smokers who want to kick the habit, and they’ve turned to virtual cigarette crushing to do it—and apparently it’s helping a lot.

From web site Science Daily:

In a computer-generated virtual reality environment, one group simulated crushing virtual cigarettes, while the other group grasped virtual balls during 4 weekly sessions.

The findings demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction among the smokers in the cigarette-crushing group versus those in the ball-grasping group. Also, at week 12 of the program, the smoking abstinence rate was significantly higher for the cigarette-crushing group (15%) compared to the ball-grasping group (2%).

Although virtual smokes may sound cheesy, they’re probably easier on the pocketbook than buying a pack to crush just for fun. Have you tried to quit smoking? What helped you in your efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Crushing Cigarettes In A Virtual Reality Environment Reduces Tobacco Addiction [Science Daily]