WO2006138630A2

WO2006138630A2 - System and method for smoking cessation

Info

Publication number: WO2006138630A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/023595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard L. Erickson
Original assignee: Erickson Richard L
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2006-06-16
Publication date: 2006-12-28
Also published as: WO2006138630A3

Abstract

New and unique systems and methods for the treatment of habitual disorders and associated delivery systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a treatment method suitable for tobacco cessation and relapse prevention is provided. The user is placed into an altered state, allowing the mind to become susceptible to suggestion. The user is then prompted to imagine a series of past and present realities and future possibilities related to the habit to be treated. In another form, a package is provided which includes the illustrative treatment methods directed toward tobacco use and stored on a recordable medium in addition to supplemental information on tobacco products, its negative effects, and exercises in printed and/or visual form.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SMOKING CESSATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/691,629 filed June 17, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to methods of treatment as well as systems for tobacco cessation. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a system and method for preventing a person from relapsing to tobacco use through a treatment designed to combat habitual disorders.

BACKGROUND

Most people believe that tobacco has been smoked since the dawn of man. Actually, tobacco is indigenous to North and South America, and it wasn't used worldwide until the mid 1600's. Since tobacco is highly alkaline and hard to inhale, smoking tobacco in the form of cigarettes and cigars did not start in earnest until the mid 1800's, when bioengineered tobaccos, curing methods and additives helped lower the pH levels. The so-called modern cigarette, which may contain up to hundreds of different chemical additives with the tobacco component, was not introduced until 1913. Since the human body is not constructed to filter out concentrated air born chemicals, let alone the naturally occurring combustion byproducts from tobacco itself, it simply has not had time to evolve or adapt to smoking without experiencing substantial side effects. The health consequences of smoking can be easily seen in historical data.

In 1889, only 140 lung cancer cases were reported worldwide. Once the modern cigarette was introduced, lung cancer rates began to grow exponentially in proportion to population growth. Today research indicates that 87% of these cases are attributed to tobacco smoking, and over one million two hundred thousand (1,200,000) new cases are reported every year. In the United States, each year an estimated 440,000 deaths are attributed to tobacco use. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, tobacco use is also considered either a major or minor contributor for many other life threatening diseases and disorders with the overall costs for lost productivity and healthcare related to tobacco use in 2004 alone exceeded $167 billion.

According to the National Health Review Survey (NHRS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)₅ each year approximately one-half or twenty- three million (23,000,000) smokers try at least one quit event. Of this figure, 4.7% will quit long-term (more than twelve months). This means that 95% of smokers who attempt to quit will relapse each year. With the high relapse rates currently being observed it appears that current smoking cessation techniques which focus on breaking the supposed "chemical" addiction are inadequate, and also that a focus on nicotine may be irrelevant. With the addition of continual media focus on the alleged chemical addiction to nicotine, these failed quit events followed by short-term relapse can only deepen and enhance the false belief that nicotine addiction is the main cause of harsh withdrawal reactions and continued cravings. What is relevant is stopping all tobacco and nicotine absorption from any source; and one stopped, preventing any relapse.

Moreover, each puff of the modern cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals (200 poisonous and 60 carcinogenic). Thus, it should not come as a surprise that smoking modern cigarettes can cause so many medical problems. One very popular and highly commercialized type of solution for assisting in smoking cessation is a nicotine replacement system. These systems include nicotine replacement patches, gums, pills, and other devices. However, while these systems have achieved limited success in helping some users stop smoking, they often result in the user then believing that he now remains addicted to the gum or patch. In this way, the common approach of replacing the nicotine a smoker takes in from tobacco products with nicotine from another source is flawed. A better solution would allow tobacco users to free themselves of any desire for nicotine, no matter what form. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method which contains only verifiable and comprehensive information in an easy to follow, step- by-step procedure that allows tobacco users to understand why they began using tobacco products, what keeps them using tobacco products, and how they can easily stop, for life.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally provides a new method, apparatus, and device for assisting a user in the tobacco cessation process.

This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Reference instead is made to the following detailed description and drawings and to the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method of smoking cessation according to one embodiment of the present system and methods.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a treatment method for use in one embodiment of the present system and methods.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a warning device suitable for use in accordance with one aspect of the present system and methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Several international health agencies concur that tobacco use is a worldwide epidemic; and according to The World Health Organization (WHO), the use of tobacco is outpacing even overall population growth. Smoking is currently the leading preventable cause of death in the United States; and it has no social, economic, or racial boundaries. On average, men who smoke cut their lives shorter by 13.2 years, and women who smoke lose 14.5 years.

It is believed that tobacco use is furthered by two tricking mechanisms. The first is a biological response to nicotine, which mimics acetylcholine, a chemical transmitter in the central nervous system. By blocking the nervous system's acetylcholine receptors, nicotine can interrupt brain transmissions. In response, the body releases endorphins which bring on a pleasurable sense, follow by the release of stress defending adrenalin and Cortisol in an attempt to remedy the problem. In order to compensate, the brain creates additional receptors to handle what it believes is an increase in acetylcholine. It is this chemical imbalance which results from a sudden decrease in or elimination of nicotine that many incorrectly believe is responsible for the harsh withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco cessation. The second mechanism is a habitual reaction in the subconscious mind. It is believed that this strong habit is what keeps a person using tobacco products, and not the oft blamed "chemical addiction."

Dr. Jeffrey Schaler has recognized that products and treatments for tobacco cessation have focused almost exclusively on the proclaimed "chemical addiction" to nicotine through some form of nicotine replacements. In his paper, entitled "Smoking Right and Responsibility," which is herein incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent, Dr. Schaler describes that virtually all scientific data is focused on the "addictiveness of nicotine," as opposed to the habitual effects of tobacco use. This means, at the same time, that efforts have not been made to develop an effective non-chemical method for treating the habitual nature of tobacco use, for utilization as either a stand-alone tobacco cessation method or in conjunction with popular nicotine replacement therapies.

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a new method suitable for use in the treatment of the habitual effects of tobacco products and is referred to herein as Auditory Linguistics Focused Imagery (ALFI). The goal of ALFI is to instill a set of mental images concerning a tobacco habit in the subconscious mind of a person during an altered state of consciousness and bring about a positive change eliminating the habit. ALFI further utilizes these mental images to support a redirection of urge and craving energy away from the tobacco habit in the subconscious mind. In order to fully understand ALFI, it is helpful to first understand more about how the human brain is believed to be broken down and how the various sections of the brain interact.

Simplistically, the human brain is located at the top of the central nervous system, and uses that system to stay in constant contact with all of the parts of the body. Although many hypotheses exist as to the evolution of the brain an ever increasing number of neurologists are accepting Paul MacLean's Triune brain concept that includes three distinct brains building on older layers as we became more social in nature. MacLean explains that three brains operate like "three interconnected biological computers, [each] with its own special intelligence, its own subjectivity, [and] its own sense of time and space and its own memory;" collectively called a mind. Each of the three brains is connected by nerves to the other two, but each seems to operate as its own brain system with distinct capacities. Dr. MacLean refers to these three brains as the neocortex or neo- mammalian brain, (conscious mind) the limbic or paleo-mammalian system, (subconscious mind) and the reptilian brain, the brainstem and cerebellum (unconscious mind) The reptilian brain (unconscious mind) is the oldest and has changed little from reptiles to mammals and humans. The unconscious mind is responsible for instinctive behavior, self preservation, aggression, and responses that do not require conscious control, for example body temperature, respiration, and heart beat. The unconscious mind is considered to not change, or to not learn. It is believed to be always active, even when we sleep; and just endlessly repeats the same patterns over and over.

Dr. MacLean writes that the next brain segment to develop is the limbic system (subconscious mind), which evolved after the unconscious mind and attaches to it. The subconscious mind is reactionary. Since it does not have the capacity to "think" it does not know right from wrong or good from bad. The subconscious is responsible for many functions including behaviors related to food, sex, and competition which are necessary to our survival. The subconscious mind also functions as the main storage area for long term memory; and its ability to create, control, and change, emotions, habits, and perceptions especially those involved in the "pain" and "pleasure" responses. The subconscious is also capable of low level learning, and, with the proper therapy as described herein, has the ability to redirect or eliminate negative habits and perceptions and replace them with new positive patterns. Finally, Dr. MacLean teaches that the conscious mind is the main brain portion in humans. This segment of the human brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as language, reasoning, willpower, and theoretical learning.

In this way, each phase of the human brain evolved to store increased knowledge needed for survival. These brain segments interact and are controlled by a quasi-seniority system. The oldest segment of the brain will usually prevail if there is a conflict. For example, emotions and habits oftentimes overrule cognitive thinking, and physical demands overrule them both.

A habit, such as tobacco use, can become so entrenched in the subconscious mind that no matter how strong one's desire to stop using tobacco products is, no amount of simple "willpower" is sufficient to overcome the natural occurrence of the older subconscious mind trumping the newer conscious mind. Due to this natural hierarchy, one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is based on the recognition that the best method to combat a tobacco habit may well be at its source in the subconscious mind. In order to accomplish this, the imagination pathway may be used, since the subconscious mind is generally considered to be incapable of thinking.

Illustrative embodiments of the systems and methods of the present invention for facilitating cessation of tobacco consumption through the use of Auditory Focused Linguistics Imagery (ALFI) will now be described. In one such embodiment, a system and method is provided for the treatment of habitual disorders such as tobacco use.

The illustrative treatment, described as ALFI herein, includes a set of established techniques administered in a certain arrangement. ALFI begins with the instructor, through in person contact or recorded communications, bringing the user into an altered state of consciousness. It is believed that this altered state of consciousness is a temporary relaxed focus or clearer state that counteracts the natural stress response mechanism. It has been shown that while in this state, a person can bypass the short term memory, or noise of consciousness, thereby allowing the mind to become susceptible to suggestion. Once in this altered state, the user is then prompted to imagine a structured series of past and present realities and future possibilities which allows the conscious and subconscious minds to form an alliance using the imagination pathway. In this method, ALFI utilizes a combination of misdirection, modification, confusion, age regression, age progression, anchoring, suggestion, time distorting, concentrated attention, reverse suggestion, covert imagery, role playing, post suggestion imagery, bonding, and systematic desensitization in order to achieve this mental balance.

In a further embodiment, a system and method is provided by which a user may receive treatment to eliminate the habitual effects of tobacco products entrenched in the subconscious mind. In one form, the treatment may be administered in person. In other forms, the user may be treated through the use of recordings stored on a medium, printed material, or any combination thereof. Additionally, another embodiment may have the user provided with a device which contains a message for convenient playback at any time he wishes, which is designed to combat any urge to use a tobacco product again in the future.

Referring to FIG. 1, a representative embodiment of a method of treatment for facilitating tobacco cessation is illustrated in flowchart form. It shall be appreciated that the present system and method may be applied to facilitate the cessation of various tobacco products, including, by way of non-limiting example, cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine replacement products. The preferred method begins at start point 100 with the user receiving a tobacco cessation kit (stage 102). The tobacco cessation kit may include conventional types of media, such as manuals, CDs, and/or DVDs, to allow the user to readily read, listen to, or view their contents. In another embodiment, the user may visit a treatment facility or office, or otherwise interact one-on-one with a specialist or person otherwise trained in order to facilitate the treatment process. Once the user has received the tobacco cessation kit in the embodiment of

FIG. 1, the user then selects a date in which to stop all use of tobacco products (stage 104). In this embodiment, the user selects a date that is at least 3 days from the day on which he receives the kit so that he may spend time focusing on why he wants to stop his tobacco habit (stage 106). At this point, the user may cease all use of tobacco products such as cigarettes or cigars, and/or the user may also cease all use of other related products such as nicotine replacement products. Also in this embodiment, the user may be instructed to alter his diet (stage 108) in order to remedy the negative impact of tobacco use on the body. In one form, the user may be instructed to include an increased amount of slightly alkaline foods, such as apples, blueberries, tomatoes, and olive oil, to assist in raising the body's pH level back to a normal range in the area of 7.2-7.6. In a further form, the user may also supplement his diet with GABA and L-glutamine for the purposes of replenishing two of the most abundant amino acids found in the brain which help to heal damaged nerve endings and brain cells; that are depleted by tobacco use. Once the user has completed these preparatory steps, the user then views an informational section (stage 110). Preferably, the user views the informational section just prior to or on his quit date selected in stage (104). The informational section includes a history of tobacco products, scientific information concerning tobacco products, health information concerning the use of tobacco, and any other information which may motivate the user to eliminate his tobacco habit. Further, the informational section may be presented in a variety of different forms, such as read from a manual, viewed as the playback of recorded audio or video, or through any other method of presentation. Once the informational section is complete (stage 110), the user then voluntarily ceases all use of tobacco products on his selected quit date (stage 112). Once the user has stopped all use of tobacco products (stage 112), the user is then instructed to complete a series of exercises (stage 114). In one form, these exercises may include the creation of a list of reasons for tobacco use, a list of reasons to stop using tobacco, a graph showing the amount of tobacco use over the course of time, and/or a chart showing the typical time when the user consumes a tobacco product In a further form, the exercises may be included within a workbook provided to the user, such as in the tobacco cessation kit. In a still further form, the user may be provided with typical responses to the exercises given by the tobacco-using-population and given other information as to what his individual answers may mean with respect to his tobacco habits. Once the user thereby has a proper background on tobacco and its use, has furthered his own motivation to stop tobacco use, and has voluntarily ceased all use of tobacco products, the active preferred treatment method may begin to assist in removing the habit of tobacco from the user's mind. In stage 116 of FIG. 1, the user is instructed to listen to a balancing section, without interruption, immediately after completing the exercises in stage 114. The balancing section includes the treatment techniques of Auditory Linguistics Focused Imagery (ALFI) described herein. These techniques are embodied in a plurality of sounds including background sounds and spoken language. The balancing section takes the user through a progression of presenting to the imagination pathway a structured series of past and present reality and future possibilities. This structured series travels in between the conscious and subconscious minds and allows the conflict of the subconscious mind wanting to use tobacco products and the conscious mind knowing it should stop to be resolved in favor of cessation. These possibilities may include identifying when the tobacco habit started, identifying that a change can occur in that habit, identifying why the habit started, and determining that there is no reason to continue by realizing the potential consequences. The balancing section may be recorded or presented live in person to the user depending upon the user's needs and desires; but in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 and as described herein, the balancing section is recorded onto a compact disc.

Turning to FIG. 2, one example of a structured series of past and present reality and future possibilities which may be presented to the user during the balancing section is illustrated. It shall be appreciated that concepts represented as boxes are arranged so that the bottom row 150 indicates concepts which correspond to past realities, the middle row 152 includes concepts which correspond to present realities, and the top row 154 includes concepts which correspond to future possibilities. The illustrative series begins at stage 160 with the user being prompted to imagine himself at the time in the past when the habit first began. For example, the user may be prompted or asked about his self-esteem or a desire to fit in. Next, the user is prompted to imagine when his tobacco habit began and the circumstances around it in stage 162. This may include the identification of the exact trigger event which led to his first use of a tobacco product, such as a dare, or a friend's invitation. From here, the user is directed in stage 164 to focus on his present anger concerning tobacco use and its negative impact on his life and health as well as those around him. The goal of this step is to assist the user in overcoming the belief that tobacco products are his friend. For example, the user may be prompted to focus on other harmful things and question whether those things would be considered his friend or promptly rejected.

Once the user is clearly able to recall when his habit began and has begun to acknowledge and accept the negative impact of tobacco products; the user is prompted to recall his reasons for starting to use tobacco products initally in stage 168. For example, the user may have began tobacco use out of a family custom, in order to fit in, or to overcome some other problem or stress in his life such as abuse or boredom. In continuation, the user is then prompted with questions which ask the user why he should continue to use tobacco products in stage 170. In this stage, the user is assisted in seeing that his reasons for beginning the habit are no longer prominent. To reinforce this lack of a reason to continue, the user is next prompted to look into the future and envision to consequences that tobacco use will have on his life in stage 172. For instance, the user might imagine a path of emphysema, cancer, or dying at a young age. Once the user is charged with the disadvantages of tobacco use, the user is prompter with images of how he can change their current habit in stage 174. From there, the user is instructed to actively redirect his urge energy to positive things in stage 176. For example, the user may chose a hobby such as gardening, reading, walking, or exercising to name just a few non-limiting examples. From then on, whenever the user feels the urge to use tobacco, he can combat that urge and direct it to a new activity. The user is then instructed that he cannot change his tobacco habit in the past, but in the alternative, that the future is his to change. Given this new freedom, the user is prompted to image his life free from his tobacco habit. The user can now view his tobacco habit in the past, and put it behind him in stage 178. Once behind, the user is prompted to imagine himself as a non-smoker and the advantages non-smoker status brings in stage 180. Further, the user is invited to image the years of healthful life and enjoyment he has added by giving up bis tobacco habit in stage 182, such as life past when he may have died due to tobacco related complications, walking on a beach with his grandchildren, or other future possibilities.

Returning to FIG. 1, once the user has viewed the balancing section, the user may prefer to continue to view the balancing section repeatedly for some period of time. In a preferred embodiment, the user listens to the balancing section intermittently throughout the first 12 hours of being tobacco free (stage 118). Optionally, the user may be provided with a follow-up section to complete after the balancing section, which may reinforce any or all of the information presented to this point. Once the balancing section has been completed, the user then moves along in the preferred embodiment in FIG. 1 to listen to the detoxification section (stage 120). The detoxification section may also include the treatment techniques of ALFI described herein. The detoxification section takes the user through a similar progression of putting the tobacco habit in the past and redirecting the urge energy in the subconscious mind to use tobacco to a more positive pattern. Additionally, the user is reminded that harsh withdrawal symptoms are eliminated and any mild withdrawal they may experience is from nicotine's receptor withdrawal. In the preferred embodiment, the user listens to the detoxification section intermittently until he has been tobacco free for eighty-four hours (stage 122).

After the detoxification section has been completed, the user moves on to the nicotine re-absorption section (stage 124) in FIG. 1. The nicotine re-absorption section may also include the treatment techniques of ALFI. The re-absorption section takes the user through a progression of the rewards and freedoms offered by remaining tobacco free and the prospect of having a brighter future in the user's own life. Additionally, the re-absorption section continues to encourage the user to re-direct the tobacco urge energy to a more positive activity. In the preferred embodiment, the user listens to the re-absorption section periodically until he/she has been tobacco free for some extended period of time, preferably at least forty- five to ninety days. In a further preferred embodiment the user listens to the re- absorption section daily for twelve successive days and then as needed until the re- absorption of excess receptors is achieved, normally 45 to 90 days.

Finally, in order to combat occasional urges and prevent relapse, the user is preferably provided with a warning section which reinforces the negative impacts of tobacco use and the positive redirection of urge energy in the subconscious mind (stage 126). The user may listen to the warning section at any time in order to assist him in remaining tobacco free. If and when these urges subside completely, the user may enjoy a healthy life without the need for tobacco products (stage 128) and the preferred method of the present invention ends at stage 130. Additionally, it shall be appreciated that the sections, workbook, and other resources provided with the system may be utilized by the user at any time in any fashion they see fit, allowing them some flexibility in their approach. Turning to FIG. 3, a representative embodiment of the present system takes the form of a tobacco cessation kit 200. Kit 200 includes a portfolio 202, instructional DVD 210, balancing CD 212, detox and re-absorption CD 214, warning CD 216, manual/workbook 220, instruction sheet 222, and oath display 224. Portfolio 202 is a closeable hard-shell case for storing the various items provided with kit 200. Portfolio 202 also includes mounting means for allowing the safe storage of the included storage mediums, as well as a hollow section for the storage of manual/workbook 220 and other items such as notes, letters, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, instructional DVD 210 includes the informational section, balancing CD 212 includes the balancing section, detox and re-absorption CD 214 contains the re-absorption section, and warning CD 216 contains the warning section, all as further described herein. It shall be appreciated that instructional DVD 210, balancing CD 212, detox and re-absorption CD 214, and warning CD 216 may be provided in another medium such as a CD, cassette, or other medium know to one of skill in the art. Furthermore, the storage medium may include audio, video, or a combination of the two. It shall be appreciated that different sections may also be provided in different or multiple ways to enhance the usability of the system.

Manual/workbook 220 in FIG. 3 also preferably includes supplemental information to the sections covered by the above CDs and DVDs, in addition to an introduction to the system, background information on tobacco and its use and effects, and the exercises for the user to complete. In a preferred embodiment, the manual/workbook 220 includes several copies of these exercises so that the kit 200 is suitable for multiple uses by various users. Manual/workbook 220 may be a standard bound pamphlet, a collection of individual papers, or otherwise provided such as in electronic form; but in the preferred embodiment herein, manual/workbook 220 is a printed and bound booklet.

Instruction sheet 222 in FIG. 3 is a plurality of printed pages which contain instructions for the user to review prior to using the other contents of kit 200. The instruction sheet 222 lays out a preferred course for the user to follow in utilizing the treatment method embodied in the remaining content of kit 200. Additionally, oath card 224 is a foldable stand up card which displays an oath the user is asked to take and/or live by. This card 224 may be displayed by the user in a prominent place such as at their desk, on the coffee table, or next to their bed, and is designed to help an ex-tobacco user stay tobacco free. Turning to FIG. 4, a device suitable for use in an alternate embodiment of the method of FIG. 1 is shown. In this regard, earpiece 300 is portable housing 302 having a flexible member 304 for securing the housing 302 to the user's ear. When properly aligned, the user's ear is situated in void 314 created by flexible member 304, and speaker 312 is arranged so as to provide sound directly into the ear of the user. Housing 302 also includes a power source 306 such as a battery. Power source 306 may be a rechargeable or replaceable battery. Housing 302 also includes a memory device, such as memory 308, which stores a message designed to combat an urge to utilize a tobacco product. In a preferred embodiment, the smoking prevention message is designed to reinforce a set of mental images concerning a tobacco habit in the subconscious mind of a user, where the set of mental images creates a redirection of urge and craving energy in the subconscious mind away from the tobacco habit.

Housing 302 in FIG. 4 also includes a selectable controller 310, such as a button or switch, which causes the speaker 312 to play the recording stored in memory 308. Therefore, in response to an urge to use tobacco, the user can simply put the headset 300 in place, and press the button to instantly combat that urge. It shall be appreciated the other devices such as a small recorder, keychain, or similar portable sound device could be used to accomplish the principles of headset 300 as would be understood to those skilled in the art. Further embodiments of the present system and method may include the extension of the principles Auditory Lingustics Focused Imagergy (ALFI), described herein, to the treatment of other habitual disorders including such as overeating, as well as other areas including weight loss, overcoming phobias, and subconscious muscular toning exercises. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all equivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions as described herein and/or by the following claims are desired to be protected. Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of treatment for a tobacco habit suitable for rebalancing the logical and reactionary mind of a person comprising the steps of: causing the person to recall when a tobacco habit began; convincing the person that a change in said tobacco habit can occur; prompting the person with a plurality of sounds which form a set of mental images concerning the problem of said tobacco habit in the subconscious mind of the person, said set of mental images facilitating a redirection of urge and craving energy in the subconscious mind away from said habit; and periodically reinforcing said redirection.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: presenting to the person a plurality of exercises which assist the person in identifying said tobacco habit;

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said prompting includes spoken language.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said reinforcing includes causing the person to listen to a recording.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said set of mental images are transformed by the person into patterns that reduce unneeded random brain wave activity.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said prompting includes spoken language incorporating a technique selected from the group consisting of misdirection, modification, confusion, age regression, age progression, anchoring, suggestion, time distortion, concentrated attention, reverse suggestion, covert imagery, role playing, post suggestion imagery, bonding, and systematic desensitization.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said spoken language is free of techniques for behavioral modification of conscious thought.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: supplementing the diet of the person with alkaline foods, GABA, and L- glutamine.

9. A system for use as a tobacco cessation system, comprising: a user workbook having a plurality of exercises which assist the user in identifying his tobacco habit; and a first recording medium comprising: an educational section which informs the user of why people use tobacco; a balancing section including a plurality of sounds which form a set of mental images concerning a tobacco habit in the reactionary mind of the user, said set of mental images creating a redirection of urge and craving energy in the subconscious mind of the user away from said tobacco habit; and a relapse prevention section which reinforces said set of mental images in the subconscious mind of the user.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a second recording medium comprising a section including a treatment program incorporating auditory linguistics focused imagery.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said plurality of sounds includes spoken language.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: an information section stored on said first recording medium which informs the user of popular smoking habits identified during said plurality of exercises.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first recording medium comprises a plurality of individual recording mediums.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first recording medium is a digital video disc.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said firs recording medium is a compact disc.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said plurality of individual recording mediums are selected from the group consisting of compact discs, tapes, electronic files, and digital video discs.

17. A portable device for mentally combating the urge to smoke comprising: a portable power source; a speaker connected to said power source; a memory connected to said speaker, said memory having a smoking prevention message stored thereon; and a selectable control connected to said power source whereby the selection of said selectable control causes said speaker to play the smoking prevention message stored in said memory.

18. The device of claim 17 further comprising a housing in the shape of an earpiece, wherein said housing surrounds said portable power source and said memory.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein said speaker is a headphone.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein said smoking prevention message is designed to reinforce a set of mental images concerning a tobacco habit in the subconscious mind of a user, said set of mental images creating a redirection of urge and craving energy in the subconscious mind away from said habit.