When you reference The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (Ninth Edition - Chapter 7) , you will note: the medications that directly block nicotine receptor sites are atropine and scopolamine. Both are in a classification of medications known as anticholinergics. These medications have been around in medicine since the mid-1800s and have a variety of uses.
When you block nicotine receptor sites, you replace the effects that nicotine has in the body. Therefore, there are no cravings for nicotine or withdrawal symptoms. More importantly, because there is no increased demand for nicotine receptor sites, due to nicotine stimulation, the body's natural chemistry will revert back to that of a non-smoker. These medications are, in themselves, non-addictive. We have developed the precise combination of anticholinergics that allows patients to quit smoking without the usual withdrawal symptoms.
U.S. Government Patent Issued: The facilities director, Paul J. Hudson, has dedicated himself to the research and treatment of tobacco dependency since 1986. While universities and other scientific organizations seek to document the precise process of tobacco dependency, Mr. Hudson, along with licensed physicians, have focused on the practical applications of treating the addiction. Based on clinical experience, with thousands of patients participating, the patent encompasses the best that medical science has to offer for the treatment of nicotine addiction.
In addition to the chemical disturbances at nicotinic receptor sites there are noted chemical changes in the medial forebrain bundle. This is commonly known as the Reward Center of The Brain. Nicotine stimulates the release of the chemical Dopamine in this region. This encourages the continuation of a behavior, giving the psychological aspect of nicotine addiction both a physical and behavioral side. With the use of pharmacotherapies and specifically designed behavioral modification techniques, we can effectively address all three areas of nicotine addiction. Statistically, this three sided approach produces the highest levels of success with the lowest rates of recidivism.