Smokers in Belarus to Utilize Artificial Intelligence for Cessation Aid
Artificial Intelligence Aids in Smoking Cessation: New Motivational Program Under Development
A technology-driven program aimed at helping individuals quit smoking is set to be developed at the Republican Scientific Practical Center for Mental Health. This announcement was made by Marina Skugarevskaya, the Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the Center, to BelTA.
Professor Skugarevskaya explained that artificial intelligence (AI) will be utilized, focusing on the uniqueness of interhemispheric asymmetry, a phenomenon that reflects differences in the functioning of the brain's hemispheres. The program will also feature questionnaires for tracking progress and a motivational video.
According to Skugarevskaya, the primary challenge for smokers is the persisting lack of willpower to quit.
Debunking Nicotine Myths
In contrast to common misconceptions, the Deputy Director refuted the notion that nicotine aids in stress management. Instead, it negatively impacts mental health.
"Nicotine contributes to the development of anxiety and depression, making smokers more susceptible to these conditions," she stated. "Moreover, the anxiety and depression levels among smokers don't just increase—they often reach the level of a mental disorder."
Beginning smoking at a young age can pose significant risks to one's health, as it interferes with the development of neural connections, negatively influencing learning abilities and concentration.
Long-term exposure to nicotine can erode cognitive abilities and heighten the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
However, mental health can recover to normal levels after a person quits nicotine use.
** AI-Powered Smoking Cessation: Key Features and Benefits**
AI-based motivational programs play an increasingly significant role in smoking cessation by offering personalized, engaging, and adaptable interventions [3][5]. These digital tools provide constant motivation and tailored guidance, helping users manage withdrawal, set realistic goals, and maintain motivation throughout the cessation process.
Key factors contributing to effectiveness include personalization, interactivity, and gamification, which enhance user engagement and promote program adherence [5]. For a program to be effective, it must align with the user's cessation goals and adapt dynamically to their needs, a capability enabled by AI's data analysis and just-in-time adaptive intervention capabilities. Engagingness and perceived usefulness are crucial determinants of continued use [5].
- The developing program at the Republican Scientific Practical Center for Mental Health, aimed at aiding smoking cessation, will use artificial intelligence (AI) and focus on the brain's interhemispheric asymmetry, a phenomena reflecting differences in the functioning of the hemispheres.
- The AI-powered program will include questionnaires for tracking progress, a motivational video, and utilize AI's data analysis capabilities for dynamic adaptation to an individual's needs, making it more effective in aiding smoking cessation.
- According to Professor Skugarevskaya, the program is crucial as it addresses the primary challenge for smokers – the persisting lack of willpower – by offering personalized, engaging, and adaptable interventions that help manage withdrawal, set realistic goals, and maintain motivation throughout the cessation process, significantly benefiting health-and-wellness and mental-health.
