From craving to cure: Clinical outcomes of individualized homeopathy in tobacco de-addiction

Abstract

Background: Tobacco addiction remains one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, it accounts for a significant burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Despite various available pharmacological interventions, the long-term abstinence rates remain unsatisfactory. Homeopathy, being a holistic system of medicine, offers a promising complementary approach for tobacco de-addiction. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in reducing tobacco use, craving, and withdrawal symptoms, and improving the quality of life among tobacco-dependent individuals. Methods: A prospective, multicentric, open-label clinical study was conducted from January to June 2025 across six homeopathic hospitals. Four hundred adult participants with a history of tobacco use were enrolled. Participants underwent detailed case-taking followed by constitutional homeopathic prescriptions. Outcomes were measured using changes in daily tobacco consumption, craving intensity (VAS), withdrawal symptoms, and WHOQOL-BREF scores over six months. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests. Results: Out of 400 enrolled participants, 370 completed the study. The average daily tobacco use decreased from 13.2 to 3.1 units (76.5% reduction). Mean craving scores reduced from 8.5 to 2.1 on the VAS scale. 78% of participants reported notable relief from withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. WHOQOL-BREF scores showed significant improvements in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Individualized homeopathic treatment demonstrated a significant positive impact in reducing tobacco dependency and associated withdrawal symptoms while enhancing overall quality of life. These findings support the integration of homeopathy into tobacco de-addiction strategies.