Good news for smokers trying to quit- A new vaccine is in the human testing trials that is supposed to block the nicotine from reaching the pleasure receptors in the brain so smokers can enjoy the rush that comes with smoking.

As a reformed smoker, and going on my 4th year anniversary of not having a cigarette, I can certainly appreciate medical efforts to help smokers quit the habit. But will this “vaccine” be the first in a long line of pleasure suppressants that will aim to cure society’s ills? Will a similar vaccine be able to block the pleasure receptors for opiates? How about Alcoholism? Could we? More importantly, should we? At what point do we simply throw out all personal responsibility?

From the AP here:

Doctors test anti-smoking vaccine

MADISON, Wis. – Doctors are testing a radical new way to help smokers quit: a shot that “immunizes” them against the nicotine rush that fuels their addiction.

The treatment keeps nicotine from reaching the brain, making smoking less pleasurable and theoretically, easier to give up. The small amount that still manages to get in helps to ease withdrawal, the main reason most quitters relapse.

The Food and Drug Administration has granted the vaccine fast-track status, meaning it will get prompt review, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse just gave Nabi a second $4 million grant to finance the study and NicVax’s development.

The antibodies should remain in the system for up to a year; booster shots may be needed after that, but this needs more study, Rasmussen said.

I quit by taking Zyban. It worked for me. Two other smokers, close friends of mine, tried it too, but Zyban didn’t work for them. I think they werent as serious about quitting as I was.