In a report from Moscow, authorities cite observations by Anton Masyakin, described as the city’s leading freelance psychiatrist and narcologist. He expressed a clear view on nicotine-free cigarettes, stating that they do not support quitting and, in fact, can complicate the effort to break the habit. The claim was reported by DEA News and reflects concerns about how tobacco cessation tools may interact with the psychology of addiction.
According to Masyakin, nicotine-free electronic cigarettes do more than simply fail to remove the urge to smoke. They may also reinforce the routines tied to smoking and inadvertently sustain the behavioral patterns that make quitting difficult. In his assessment, the act of using nicotine-free devices preserves the sensory and habitual cues associated with smoking, potentially slowing progress in changing these deeply ingrained habits.
The professional recommendation emphasized by Masyakin centers on a comprehensive treatment plan. He described the combination of behavioral strategies with pharmacotherapy as the most effective and well-supported method for addressing nicotine dependence. This dual approach targets both the mind’s learned responses to smoking and the chemical processes involved in addiction.
Additionally, Masyakin highlighted the importance of addressing other risk factors during cessation. He pointed out that alcohol consumption can undermine quitting efforts, increasing the likelihood of relapse. Reducing or avoiding alcohol during a quit attempt is presented as an important step to support sustained abstinence.
There is evidence from researchers at major institutions that smoking may have effects on brain structure. Studies associated with the University of Pennsylvania have suggested a possible link between nicotine exposure and changes in brain tissue, with implications for dementia risk in the long term. While these findings contribute to the broader understanding of smoking’s impact on brain health, they are part of a larger conversation about how quitting may influence cognitive outcomes over time. [Source: University of Pennsylvania research, reported in various medical briefings]