Most people who smoke want to quit, and many make the effort. In 2022, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults who smoked reported wanting to quit, and over half made at least one attempt. However, less than 10% of people were able to stop successfully.
If you’ve tried nicotine patches, gum, or medications without lasting results, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, may be a different option to consider. This treatment targets the parts of the brain that are involved in addiction and helps reduce cravings.
In this blog, we’ll explain how TMS for smoking cessation works, what the research shows, and whether it could be the next step in your quit smoking plan.
Why is it Hard to Quit Smoking?
Nicotine is the main culprit that makes quitting smoking seem like an impossible task. It reaches the brain within seconds of inhaling and activates receptors that give you a buzz, helping you feel more relaxed and less anxious.
Over time, the brain adapts to this stimulation by producing more nicotine receptors. As those receptors multiply, your brain starts to expect a constant supply. When you try to quit, there’s a sudden shortage, and this leads to irritability, restlessness, and intense cravings. This is called withdrawal. If you use smoking as a way to cope with triggers, like stress or boredom, it can be even more difficult to quit.
Additionally, quitting takes time. Many people don’t succeed on the first try, and in many cases, it can take over 30 quit attempts before they’re successful. Each attempt, though, increases the likelihood of long-term smoking cessation.
What is TMS and How Does it Work?
Approved by the FDA for smoking cessation, TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that targets the neural circuits involved in addiction and habit formation. A magnetic coil is placed against the scalp, and it delivers pulses that generate small electrical currents in the brain. These currents can activate or suppress brain activity, depending on the treatment protocol and goals.
How TMS Targets Nicotine Cravings
Cravings are driven by brain regions responsible for addiction, reward, and impulse control. TMS interrupts these patterns.
Research shows that targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the insula with TMS can help reduce cravings. These areas are connected to the brain’s dopamine pathways. By stimulating these regions, TMS may help regulate the reward system and reduce the intense urges to smoke.
This is what sets TMS apart from other smoking cessation treatments. Instead of replacing nicotine or suppressing withdrawal symptoms, it goes after the root problem and gives the brain a chance to reset its response to addiction cues.
Is TMS Effective for Quitting Smoking?
Several studies have found that TMS is effective for smoking. Here’s what researchers have found:
- One study found that TMS reduced cigarette consumption and cravings significantly greater in the active group compared to the sham group.
- Another study reported that when applied over the DLPFC and insula areas of the brain, deep TMS reduced cigarette consumption and resulted in abstinence after 3 weeks of treatment.
- Multiple studies show that over 25% of U.S. adults who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day were able to quit smoking by the end of treatment and had a continuous 4-week quit rate. Even those who couldn’t quit reduced their weekly cigarette consumption from 132 to 30.
- When receiving MRI-assisted rTMS to the left DLPFC for 10 days, smokers saw a reduction in cigarette consumption, and they had a greater chance of quitting.
- Patients undergoing combined high-frequency TMS and exposure to smoking cues saw an overall abstinent rate of 44%. 33% of patients remained abstinent 6 months after treatment.
Who Should Consider TMS for Smoking?
You may want to consider TMS if:
- You’ve made multiple quit attempts with no success
- You’re sensitive to medications or want a drug-free treatment
- You experience strong cravings or emotional triggers that make quitting difficult
Also, if you’re struggling with a mental health illness and trying to quit, you may find you need additional support. It’s estimated that 35% of people who smoke in the U.S. have a mental health condition, and they account for nearly 40% of all cigarettes smoked. Trying to quit while managing anxiety, depression, or other symptoms can make the process even harder. TMS may help combat this by targeting the brain systems that are involved in both conditions.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
TMS therapy is done in a doctor’s office and doesn’t require anesthesia or recovery time. Each session lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll receive treatment five days a week for several weeks, depending on your treatment plan.
During the session, you’ll sit in a chair while a provider positions a magnetic coil against your scalp. The device then delivers a series of quick, targeted pulses to the necessary areas of the brain. You’ll stay awake and alert, and most people are able to drive or return to work immediately after.
TMS Side Effects and Safety
TMS is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most people. Side effects are mild to moderate and tend to lessen as treatment continues. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Scalp discomfort during or after sessions
- Headache
- Tingling or twitching in facial muscles
- Lightheadedness
If any of the above symptoms become too much to bear, your provider can adjust your treatment plan. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also help manage mild headaches or soreness.
TMS is not recommended for those with metal implants in or near the head or for those with a history of seizures. Before treatment, your provider will complete a screening to make sure the treatment is safe for you.
How Much Does TMS for Smoking Cessation Cost?
The cost of TMS treatment for smoking cessation can vary depending on your provider, location, and treatment length. On average, individual sessions may range from $300 to $500 each.
While many insurance plans do cover TMS for FDA-approved conditions, it’s not always guaranteed. As such, it’s important to do the following before starting treatment:
- Confirm that your provider offers TMS specifically for smoking cessation
- Ask for a cost estimate based on your recommended treatment plan
- Contact your insurance company to ask if TMS for smoking cessation is covered under your plan
- Discuss any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for
Benefits of Using TMS to Quit Smoking
Because TMS targets the brain circuits responsible for cravings, it can support long-term abstinence without you having to rely on willpower alone. Some of the benefits include:
- No nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or risk of developing a new addiction
- No medication side effects, unlike Chantix or Zyban, which carry black box warnings regarding the mental health risks associated with use
- Reduces cravings by directly targeting the brain areas responsible for addiction
- Can support focus and mood during the quitting process
- Well-suited for people with mental health conditions or medication sensitivity
Quit Smoking With TMS Therapy
Backed by clinical research and cleared by the FDA, TMS offers hope for people who’ve tried to quit smoking but haven’t had any success. At Pulse TMS, we provide TMS treatment plans to support people who are ready to quit smoking and improve their mental health.
Whether you’re struggling with nicotine dependence, anxiety, or both, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if TMS is right for you.
Let’s Discuss Treatment Options.
