What Former Patients Have Said

Excerpts from some of the many grateful patients who have been helped by the Stop Smoking Center to quit for good -

From one of Dr. Wineburg's colleagues at Mount Sinai Hospital, a fellow physician and former smoker of 34 years:

"Dear Dr. Wineburg,

I saw your letter in the Times Science Section this morning and I thought I'd take this opportunity to say thank you for helping me to quit smoking. I absolutely agree with you that smoking is a lethal illness that requires treatment tailored to the individual. I have and will continue to tell everyone about my success with your approach. I hope you don't mind if I send a few referrals your way.

I really have to pinch myself. I just can't believe that I've actually stopped smoking. I really feel good about myself. I cannot tell you that there was one specific thing you did or said to me, but I am certain that the individual treatment you gave me worked. It is clearly a miracle as far as I am concerned and as a medical scientist that is very difficult for me to say.

Thank you a million times over. I just wish there was something more I could do to spread your gospel. Please do not hesitate to call upon me if you think I can help."

A 62-year-old artist who had been smoking since age 14 successfully stopped smoking within 5 sessions with 14 mg. patch daily and 4 mg. gum as needed, with supportive psychotherapy including a cigarette dream analyzed.

She wrote:

"Dear Dr. Wineburg,

I am so happy with my newfound freedom from cigarettes! Thank you so much for your help with this terrible problem!"

A former 2-pack-a-day smoker, a 33 year-old writer was convinced she could never get by without cigarettes. After much soul-searching and a medical scare she sought treatment at the Stop Smoking Medical Center. After giving up cigarettes she said:

"...With you by my side it was easier to quit than I ever thought- it's so much better than I expected! I had tried to quit so many times in the past 'cold turkey' and it was torturous. I used to feel it was a behavioral thing for me and that nicotine was not that much of a problem... of course I wasn't able to quit. Your treatment addressed EVERY aspect of my addiction, including nicotine substitution. I've used all the techniques very successfully.

Now I'm not crazed, I'm not jumpy and nervous. I've learned ways to reduce that stress reaction with your biofeedback therapy so I don't feel that kind of compulsion anymore. I can now concentrate and focus on my writing without ever needing a cigarette. Thank you so much!"

In an interview by Associated Press, Veronica Iverson told of a half-dozen attempts to quit smoking. Cigarettes were important: "If I'm tired it picks me up, if I'm upset it calms me down." She concluded the interview with:

I no longer smoke. I no longer get scowls from the members of my church group. Even though I would love a cigarette I have taken up painting to occupy my hands.