- With Mayo Clinic behavioral counselor
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
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Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Jennifer Kern is a tobacco treatment specialist, certified through the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center.
Her counseling work addresses various aspects of tobacco addiction, including the love-hate relationship many tobacco users have with their smoking or chewing, education about nicotine addiction, and effective strategies to help with quitting.
In addition, she explores the importance of getting emotional and social support when stopping tobacco use, and offers ideas and suggestions about how to ask for and give this support.
Being bilingual, she enjoys counseling in both Spanish and English. She holds a master's degree in psychology, with interests including spirituality, psychosomatic illness, depression and anxiety, maladaptive coping behaviors, and overall health behavior change.
"As a former smoker, I am personally familiar with the complexity of dealing with the 'tobacco shackles,' " she said. "I am committed to helping others conquer this addiction so they may regain their freedom and possibly even save their own lives."
Latest entries
- Smokers, don't take your health for granted
Jan. 27, 2010
- Don't give up on goal to quit smoking
Jan. 9, 2010
- Helping others can help you become a non-smoker
Dec. 24, 2009
- Finding inner talents can aid the quit smoking process
Dec. 15, 2009
- Focus on gratitude, not craving a cigarette
Nov. 24, 2009
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Quit smoking blog
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July 14, 2009
Blog: Talk to your doctor about cessation drugs
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
The FDA recently announced a new warning that will be placed on the packaging of the prescription drugs Chantix (Varenicline) and Zyban (Bupropion,Wellbutrin). They are adding the alert to both of these tobacco cessation medications due to reports of behavior changes being associated with their use in some individuals, including depressed mood, hostility or agitation, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Although it's important to be aware of potential risks, I've found that the media coverage has been turning some people away from these medications, which have actually been helpful to many in reaching their goal of quitting smoking.
Both Chantix and Zyban are intended to minimize symptoms of withdrawal by mimicking the effects of nicotine in the brain, and in many cases they are effective. Since they don't contain nicotine, however, people who use them to stop smoking may still experience withdrawal symptoms. Some of the effects of nicotine withdrawal are the same as potential side effects from using Chantix or Zyban.
We know about half of all on-going smokers will die from tobacco-related diseases. The exact risks associated with the use of Chantix or Zyban aren't clear. It hasn't been proven that these medications actually cause abnormal behaviors, which is not to undermine concerns about adverse effects, but simply to make the distinction between association and causation.
The risks of continued smoking are high, and based on the FDA warnings, there are some risks of using Chantix or Zyban as well. The important thing is to talk with your doctor to evaluate your risks for using these medications. Compare them with the potential benefits of aiding you in becoming smoke-free, and then choose the best method for you.
6 comments posted
January 6, 2010 8:05 p.m.
I heard that there is some type of injections available to stop smoking....
- Carrol
November 17, 2009 8:21 p.m.
I have quit smoking 11 months ago after 40 years using Chantix by Pfizer. ( Champix in Oz. ) It worked, but I had to stop 4 weeks prior to course completion as it drives you nuts! I know at least 4 persons, including my son who experienced similar side affects: Poor interrupted sleep pattern, queer and nightmarish dreams and aggro behaviour. If you last 8 weeks, it's OK. Was well worth the effort and side effects disappear withing a day of quitting the Chantix. You still must want to quit though, it's no miracle, but as I said, it worked for me. I had tried just to apply " will-power" but not enough. Good luck.
- Hans Houbolt
November 17, 2009 7:01 p.m.
Hi, I'm a student at Metro State of Denver. I'm researching a new product possibility; the product would be a "Quit Smoking" aide that offers a stepping down approach. I am a former smoker myself but I'm addicted to Commit lozenges and they contain nicotine. I would still buy them if they had zero mg of nicotine but they don't offer that. I would like to market a product that does. Anyways, I made this survey for my research project and it would really help me if anyone could take it [smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers are all welcome] Thanks so much. -- Casey Here's the link to the survey. http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/206243/r2zgt
- Casey
August 28, 2009 8:00 p.m.
I was very hesitant to use Chantix after reading the warnings but I got a prescription from my doctor, read all about the drug and started taking the pills about a month ago. After further reading, I think that Chantix could probably affect those with depression. My symptoms on this pill have been nausea, feeling somewhat dizzy, some gas and burping. The nausea and burping are after taking the pill - symptoms are gone after about an hour. The dizzy feeling has subsided as has the gas. I read up on withdrawal symptoms and they could have also caused some of what I experienced. I will take the full 3 month course as recommended because I really, really want to quit! Been smoke free for 18 days and counting. Talk to your doctor, do your internet research and take it from there. You still will need discipline to stop smoking, along with changing a lot of habits but this pill does take away the urge AND satisfaction of smoking, which is what I needed to help me stop. And, Katie is right - the enjoyable part of smoking is taken away by this pill.
- CW
July 15, 2009 7:20 a.m.
Champix works in a completely different manner from other treatment drugs that are available for smoking cessation. It works on the pleasure centre of the brain to reduce the satisfaction level that smokers normally get after smoking a cigarette. Champix can also help to ease off withdrawal symptoms that a smoker experiences after quitting cigarette smoking. Even if you only smoke occasionally, after starting the smoking cessation treatment with Champix, you will find it less enjoyable
- Katie
July 14, 2009 4:35 p.m.
I tried wellbutrin for a period of about 3 weeks. The first week was ok. I don't know if the stuff helped reduce my craving for tobacco or not but I did withstain from smoking. During the second week, I started noticing a sinking feeling that I could not explain. By the end of the third week, the sinking feeling turned into absolute bottom of the pit breathtaking hopelessness. I stopped taking the wellbutrin and continue to smoke irregularly 6 years later.
- Dan1951
6 comments posted