Nicotine addiction is one of the most common addictions in current society. Whether through vaping or smoking cigarettes, this dependency is often viewed as inoffensive, or even ‘cool’. However, its impacts on the health of individuals and families cannot be understated. At Clinic Les Alpes, we specialise in providing a confidential, state-of-the-art luxury rehabilitation centre to facilitate a successful journey towards recovery. Combining medical supervision and psychological treatment, we strive to offer comprehensive care for those seeking to overcome nicotine addiction.
Stress is a key factor in why many people choose to consume nicotine, and there is nowhere better to get away from the stress and relax than the serene mountains of Switzerland. Perched in the mountains next to Lake Geneva, you too can start a journey where individualised treatment, cutting-edge therapies, and 24/7 medical care converge in a private and secure setting. Our luxury rehabilitation centre in Switzerland ensures a transformative healing experience amidst natural beauty, guided by world leaders in addiction treatment.
Nicotine is a psychoactive stimulant substance originally found in tobacco. It works on the brain by interacting with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Acetylcholine is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain, and nicotine mimics this transmitter and binds to the acetylcholine receptors. This stimulates the release of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. This not only produces a pleasant sensation, but also triggers the brain’s ‘reward system’ and stimulates increased speed within the brain.
Yes, nicotine is highly addictive. In fact, many who have been addicted to nicotine as well as other substances say that nicotine is by far the hardest to give up for good. Physical addiction occurs with consistent or increasing nicotine consumption, leading to a reliance on the substance for normal functioning. Psychological addiction is also common, driven by the pleasurable experiences nicotine induces. Seeking professional support early is essential for those facing challenges in managing nicotine use.
If you have said ‘yes’ for yourself, or someone you know, for any of the above points, it may be time to seek professional help and support. Attending a rehabilitation centre can be a great way to start your recovery journey by addressing not only your nicotine use, but also the root causes of why nicotine use can get so out of control for each unique person.
Nicotine detox, while less physically dangerous than other substances, requires support to manage psychological difficulties one may experience. Clinic Les Alpes offers supervised detox with medication, monitoring equipment, and complementary therapies to minimise discomfort and ensure safety.
After physical stabilisation, a comprehensive psychological assessment will be completed in order to tailor a personalised treatment plan addressing addiction and mental health concerns for your unique needs. Collaborative assessments with medical, dietetic, and medical spa teams ensure holistic care is delivered on a daily basis.
Every person who attends Clinic Les Alpes will work together with their Lead Therapist in order to put this personalised treatment plan into practice. Our cutting-edge treatment interventions are delivered within one-to-one therapy sessions and groups, as well as with complementary therapies like massage, ayurveda, equine therapy, acupuncture and more.
In your last week of treatment, you will work together with your lead therapist to create a solid aftercare plan that involves any professionals required to support your ongoing wellbeing, as well as a Relapse Prevention Plan to keep you safe from any slip-ups. In this way, you can continue to experience a level of expert support moving forward whilst being enabled to take control of your own recovery journey.
Nicotine is the addictive substance that is found within tobacco, while tobacco refers to the plant itself. While tobacco contains various other compounds, nicotine is the main culprit for ongoing addiction and dependency. Nicotine can be consumed in various forms, but most commonly now is through vapes.
Nicotine withdrawals will typically appear within a short period of time following cessation of use. The length of time depends on the severity of the smoker, however this is usually between 6-24 hours. Many people find that going ‘cold-turkey’ alone isn’t effective, as withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and can last for several weeks. Professional management is recommended to facilitate the detox process and make it as comfortable as possible.
Every person’s recovery journey is different. For some, they may find it relatively easy to cease nicotine use the first time around. However, for the vast majority of people, they will find themselves struggling with a cycle of abstinence and relapse for months, or even years. Most people entering into recovery from addictions find that a 4 week recovery programme is most effective in jump-starting their non-smoker lifestyle.
