Anyone who wants to stop smoking is spoilt for choice: hypnosis, laser, acupuncture, bioresonance, nicotine patches, tablets, apps, courses. We offer a complementary method ourselves – and that is precisely why an honest overview matters to us. Because the best method is the one that suits you and that you see through consistently.
The methods at a glance
| Method | Principle | Scientific evidence | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counselling / behaviour change | Recognising triggers, practising strategies | well proven | several appointments, often free of charge |
| Nicotine replacement | Nicotine without smoke, reduced step by step | well proven | 8–12 weeks |
| Medication | acts on nicotine receptors or neurotransmitters | well proven | prescription only, approx. 12 weeks |
| E-cigarette | Switching to nicotine vapour | partly proven, dependence remains | ongoing |
| Hypnosis | Suggestion in deep relaxation | not sufficiently proven | 1–3 sessions |
| Acupuncture / laser | Stimulation of acupuncture points | not sufficiently proven | 1–3 sessions |
| Bioresonance | Working with electromagnetic oscillations | not proven | usually 1–2 sessions |
Assessment based on systematic reviews (including Cochrane Reviews). As at: 2026.
Quitting smoking with Hypnosis
With hypnosis, suggestions are used in a state of deep relaxation – for example that smoking is unattractive or that you can cope with stress without a cigarette as well. Many people experience hypnosis as pleasant and motivating. The evidence, however, is inconsistent: a clear advantage over other forms of counselling has not been demonstrated. The qualifications of the provider are important.
Smoking cessation with laser and acupuncture
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine; in laser acupuncture the same points are stimulated with a weak laser instead of needles. The application is needle-free, pain-free and short. There is, however, no established proof of effectiveness for smoking cessation. With us, the Soft laser is a supplementary building block in the “Stop Smoking Plus” package.
Smoking cessation with bioresonance
Bioresonance assumes that substances have their own oscillation patterns, which can be recorded with a device and returned in modified form. For smoking cessation, the client's own cigarettes are used in the process. The method is not scientifically proven. Why do people come to us nonetheless? Because they are looking for a fixed target date, calm and personal support, and a way out without medication and without months of replacement products. That is how we work.
Nicotine replacement: patches, gum and the rest
Nicotine replacement products supply nicotine without the harmful substances in smoke and thus ease the physical withdrawal symptoms. The dose is reduced over several weeks. They are available over the counter at pharmacies and demonstrably increase the chances of success – especially in combination with counselling. The drawback: nicotine dependence is prolonged at first.
Medication for smoking cessation
Prescription-only active substances such as varenicline or bupropion can considerably reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They may only be taken after a medical examination and on prescription, and they can have side effects. It is best to clarify the availability of individual preparations with your doctor.
Counselling & behaviour change
Professional counselling helps you to recognise triggers and practise new strategies. In Austria, the Rauchfrei Telefon (0800 810 013) offers free counselling; there are also cessation programmes run by the social insurance institutions and by clinics. Counselling can be combined with any other method.
E-cigarette as an aid to quitting?
E-cigarettes containing nicotine can help some people to switch away from tobacco cigarettes, because they contain fewer harmful substances. Nicotine dependence remains, however, and the long-term consequences have not yet been fully researched. That is precisely why many of our clients come to us: they want to get away from vaping as well.
Which method suits me?
- Do you want the greatest possible scientific backing? Counselling plus nicotine replacement or – after medical assessment – medication.
- Do you want neither tablets nor months of nicotine replacement? A combination of a fixed target date, a behavioural plan and a complementary method such as bioresonance, hypnosis or laser may be the right impulse for you.
- Have you already tried a lot of things? Combine them: our session together with accompanying counselling from the Rauchfrei Telefon, for example.
Our advice: More important than the method is the decision. Choose the route that feels right for you – and get support. We are happy to advise you free of charge by telephone.
What do the methods cost? You will find all prices, from free of charge to around €800, in the cost comparison for smoking cessation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most successful way to stop smoking?
The best researched approach is the combination of behavioural counselling and medical aids such as nicotine replacement or – on a doctor's prescription – medication. For many people, however, the most successful method is the one they truly feel committed to.
What does smoking cessation with hypnosis cost in Vienna?
Prices for hypnosis sessions differ considerably depending on the provider, the duration and the package. Look for transparently published prices, a clear description of what is included and the qualifications of the provider. You will find our own prices for bioresonance smoking cessation on the prices page.
Can different methods be combined?
Yes. Many people combine a complementary application with counselling from the Rauchfrei Telefon (Austria's smoke-free helpline), for example. If you would like to use medication or nicotine replacement, please discuss it beforehand with your doctor and with us.
This guide provides general information and is no substitute for medical advice. If you have health questions, please consult your doctor. In Austria, free and scientifically sound counselling is available from the Rauchfrei Telefon on 0800 810 013.