Want to Quit Smoking? Turn to Texting

Despite continuous warnings about the dangers of smoking, many still pick up the deadly habit. Yet a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine shows that quitting could be as simple as sending some text messages for support. 

According to researchers from George Washington University's School of Public Health, group text messaging can help alleviate cravings associated with smoking by distracting participants from smoking. For the study, researchers used the program "Text2Quit" and sent smokers encouraging messages that aimed to help them give up smoking. For example, one message might tell a smoker how much money he or she could save by cutting back on cigarettes while another could give tips for quitting. If participants also texted the key word "CRAVE" or "SMOKED," the program would respond with tips to overcome cravings.

Five hundred smokers were recruited for the study, and half of the participants used the program while the other half did not.

"I was interested in helping people quit smoking with cognitive behavioral therapy, and given the widespread use of cellphones, I thought this was a neat opportunity," saidText2Quit, Lorien Abroms of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University, via NPR.

After six months, researchers found that 11 percent of the smokers in the program were able to successfully quit, while only five percent of those in the placebo group were able to kick the habit. Researchers relied on self-reports and saliva tests.

However, the study authors caution against the success of these findings, noting that the ability to quit based on any smoking program is highly dependent on the individual.