How does Wellbutrin help with smoking cessation?

Wellbutrin (bupropion SR) is a prescription medication that helps people quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It works on brain chemicals linked to addiction, making it easier to break free from nicotine.

What holistic therapies support quitting smoking?

Effective holistic therapies for quitting smoking include nutritional support (like the Mediterranean or ketogenic diet), counseling, acupuncture, contrast hydrotherapy, forest walking, Lobelia inflata, and behavior modification strategies. These enhance mental resilience, manage stress, and address triggers.

Can I combine Wellbutrin with nicotine replacement therapy?

Yes, Wellbutrin can be used alongside nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum, or lozenges for greater effectiveness. Consult your doctor to determine the best personalized approach.

Are there any side effects or precautions with Wellbutrin?

Some people may experience insomnia, dry mouth, or mood changes with Wellbutrin. Individuals with seizure disorders or eating disorders should avoid this medication. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

What makes the Proactive Choice approach unique?

At Proactive Choice in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Drew Collins offers a personalized protocol that blends scientifically proven medication with holistic therapies and ongoing support, helping you quit smoking and build lasting healthy habits.

How long does it take to quit smoking with this program?

Our protocol typically spans 12 weeks, with ongoing support as needed. Success rates are highest when medication, holistic therapies, and behavioral counseling are combined.

Smoking Cessation: How Wellbutrin and Holistic Therapies Can Help You Quit for Good

Dr. Collins
Jul 28
5 min read

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, you’re already taking one of the most powerful steps toward reclaiming your health and vitality. At Proactive Choice in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Drew Collins and the team offer a unique, science-based, and holistic approach to smoking cessation that combines the best of modern pharmacology, lifestyle medicine, and complementary therapies. Here’s how our integrative protocol can help you or a loved one break free from tobacco—and thrive.

Tobacco: From Sacred Ritual to Health Crisis

For thousands of years, tobacco and other Nicotiana plants have been respected as entheogenic botanicals, used in rituals and ceremonies across various cultures. The meaning and use of tobacco shifted dramatically after industrialization and commercialization; what was once sacred became recreational, accessible, and, for many, addictive. With this shift came a new understanding: nicotine dependence is now recognized as a major driver of preventable disease, diminished quality of life, and early death.

The social perception of smoking has transformed from glamour to caution. Today, most people see tobacco more for its risks than its allure. This change reflects growing scientific awareness and the widespread desire for effective tools to overcome addiction.

Uniting Science and Tradition: The Proactive Choice Protocol

Under the guidance of Dr. Drew Collins, a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor with decades of clinical experience, our clinic offers a comprehensive and personalized plan to help you quit smoking for good. Unlike “one-size-fits-all” protocols, our method blends evidence-based medication with dietary, behavioral, and holistic therapies for results that last.

Ten Holistic Success Factors for Quitting Smoking

Holistic therapy session for quitting smoking

Pharmacotherapy with Wellbutrin SR Wellbutrin SR (bupropion 150 mg sustained-release) is proven to double the quit rates compared to no medication. It works by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, curbing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Counseling Support from qualified counselors—whether in groups or individual sessions—greatly increases your chance of success. Counseling helps you identify your smoking triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain motivation.
Keto and Mediterranean Diets Nutrition is a powerful ally. Following a Mediterranean or ketogenic diet can help regulate blood sugar, support lung repair, stabilize mood, and reduce cravings, thus making cigarettes less tempting.
Contrast Hydrotherapy Alternating hot and cold water exposure (such as contrast baths or showers) supports circulation, strengthens the immune system, and improves overall metabolic health.
Forest Walking (Shinrin-Yoku) Spending time in forests or natural green spaces lowers stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, while improving mood—benefits that make it easier to resist smoking urges.
Acupuncture Acupuncture can help lessen withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, especially when used alongside other therapies like nicotine replacement.
Lobelia Inflata Extract Often called “Indian tobacco,” lobelia has a history of use as a smoking aid. Though its effectiveness in humans is less established, it may help ease mood symptoms related to withdrawal.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies Patches, gum, and lozenges help manage withdrawal by supplying measured doses of nicotine. When combined with counseling, these tools improve long-term quit rates.
Behavior Modification Training Personalized coaching and behavior modification strategies help you recognize triggers, manage stress, and establish healthier habits, reducing relapse risk.
Ongoing Holistic Support Continued multidisciplinary care—including relapse prevention, dietary coaching, and stress management—helps sustain your success and fosters long-term resilience.

Stepwise Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion) Titration: A Safe, Effective Path

Because every person is different, timing and dosing matter. Here’s an example of Dr. Collins’ protocol for Wellbutrin SR:

Week	Days	Morning Dose	Evening Dose	Notes
Pre-Quit	-14 to -7	0 mg	0 mg	Build support, set quit date, dietary prep
Week 1	1–3	150 mg	—	Start medication and monitor side effects
Week 1	4–7	150 mg	150 mg	Take doses 8+ hours apart; last dose before 5 pm
Weeks 2–12	8–84	150 mg	150 mg	Continue and reassess at 12 weeks; extension as needed

Do not exceed 300 mg/day. Individuals with seizure or eating disorders should avoid use. The goal is steady abstinence, minimal side effects, and a smooth transition to a tobacco-free life.

Why These Therapies Support Lasting Change

Wellbutrin SR targets the brain’s reward chemistry, making quitting less of a struggle by suppressing cravings and withdrawal.
Diet and Lifestyle changes—such as eating nutrient-dense foods, daily movement, and time outdoors—help your brain and body repair and strengthen.
Behavioral and Complementary Therapies (from acupuncture to coaching) foster new habits and build psychological resilience.
Ongoing Support ensures accountability, addresses setbacks, and helps maintain your momentum toward lifelong health.

Your Path to a Smoke-Free, Healthier Future

Quitting smoking is not a single moment, but a profound transformation. With Dr. Drew Collins and the Proactive Choice team in Bend, Oregon, you receive a personalized roadmap blending both science and nature—giving you every possible advantage in your journey toward better health. Whether you’ve tried to quit before or are just beginning, our evidence-based, compassionate approach empowers lasting, vibrant change.

Call (858) 333-5196 today for a free 10-minute consultation with Dr. Collins and take the first step toward protecting your heart health.

Ready to take control of your future? Your smoke-free journey starts here.

FAQs

1. What is the success rate of using Wellbutrin for quitting smoking?

Wellbutrin (bupropion SR) has proven success rates, helping about 40–45% of users quit smoking compared to around 20–25% in placebo groups. It works best when combined with counseling and support.

2. When should I start taking Wellbutrin before my quit date?

Most people begin Wellbutrin 1–2 weeks prior to their planned quit date to allow the medication to build up in the body and maximize effectiveness.

3. Can holistic therapies improve my chances of quitting smoking?

Yes, combining holistic therapies such as acupuncture, healthy diet, behavioral counseling, and stress management with medication has been shown to improve quit rates and support overall well-being.

4. Are there any food or medication interactions with Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin may interact with certain antidepressants or antipsychotic medications and should not be mixed with alcohol or MAO inhibitors. Discuss all medications and supplements with your doctor before starting Wellbutrin.

5. What side effects should I watch for while taking Wellbutrin?

Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, and possible mood changes. Rarely, Wellbutrin can increase the risk of seizures—those with seizure or eating disorders should avoid it. Report unusual symptoms to your provider.

6. Does quitting smoking help my recovery after surgery or illness?

Absolutely—stopping smoking significantly reduces risks and speeds recovery following surgery or illness due to better circulation and immune function.

7. What’s the most effective way to quit smoking for good?

According to clinical guidelines, the most effective approach combines medication (like Wellbutrin or nicotine replacement), behavioral counseling, and continual support. Tailored programs deliver the highest success rates.

8. Are online or self-help resources useful for smoking cessation?

Printed or online self-help programs can be helpful, especially when in-person support is not available. However, combining these resources with professional counseling increases your likelihood of success.

9. How do I manage cravings and withdrawal during my quit attempt?

Using medications, practicing stress reduction, exercising, healthy eating, and seeking support from friends, groups, or specialists are all effective ways to handle cravings and withdrawal symptoms.