Medications like dextromethorphan, used to treat coughs caused by cold and flu, could potentially be repurposed to help people quit smoking cigarettes, according to a study by Penn State College of Medicine and University of Minnesota researchers. They developed a novel machine learning method, where computer programs analyze data sets for patterns and trends, to identify the drugs and said that some of them are already being tested in clinical trials. Cigarette smoking is risk factor for cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory diseases and accounts for nearly half a million deaths in the United States each year. While smoking behaviors can be learned and unlearned, genetics also plays a role in a person's risk for engaging in those behaviors. The researchers found in a prior study that people with certain genes are more likely to become addicted to tobacco.

As part of the World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has multiplied initiatives to fight against smoking. The dissemination of digital tools and exploitation of artificial intelligence are two of the aspects on which the WHO wishes to rely to fight against tobacco. The UN agency specialized in public health has partnered with WhatsApp, Facebook, Viber, Soul Machines and AI Company to offer a virtual assistant to help consumers in their desire to quit smoking. The "Commit to Quit" campaign was launched by WHO to support tobacco users who want to quit but need help to do so. In 29 target countries, the agency has agreed on initiatives such as national awareness campaigns, new digital tools, policy reviews, youth engagement, training of health workers, opening of new smoking cessation clinics, support for nicotine replacement therapy through WHO partners, free telephone support services, and provision of smoking cessation courses.