Abstract

NICOTINE DE-ADDICTION THROUGH AYURVEDA AND BUDDHIST PSYCHOTHERAPY: A CASE REPORT ON INTEGRATED TREATMENT

Ruwan Priyantha Liyanage*, Kavyanjali, Savitha HP

ABSTRACT

Cigarette smoking is the most common form of nicotine use and is responsible for many health issues like cardiovascular diseases and cancers. India is second in tobacco use with 253 million adults affected. A 30-year-old male cigarette smoker reported poor concentration, sleep disturbances, physical weakness and anxiety. A thorough examination was conducted with the diagnosis of nicotine dependence. An integrative treatment plan combining Ayurvedic therapies and Buddhist psychotherapy (BPT) was administered. Improvement was observed in Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) after completion of the treatment. At follow up, the patient showed sustained improvement with low dependence and no anxiety. This case illustrates the potential of combining Ayurveda and Buddhist psychotherapeutic interventions for comprehensive and long-term nicotine de-addiction.

Keywords: Ayurvedic Therapies, Buddhist psychotherapy (BPT), Nicotine Dependence, Smoking Cessation.