In addition to finding cures for diseases, artificial intelligence can now also be a partner in helping you quit smoking. Quitbot is a chatbot based on a large language model (LLM), developed by the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, and comes with a free mobile application that integrates scientifically validated smoking cessation programs with ChatGPT, providing users with an accessible virtual counselor.

In a recent episode of "The Prompt" hosted by Trevor Noah, Jonathan Bricker explained why there is a need to build such a chatbot to help people quit smoking.

"There are 8 million deaths worldwide each year due to smoking," he explained, stating that nicotine is more addictive than any other drug. However, there are not enough medical programs to help people quit smoking.

This application provides a step-by-step guide to the quitting process, equipping users with tools to manage smoking cravings, providing motivational support, and allowing users to ask their own questions, acting as a doctor.

Users can interact with the chatbot, discussing when they feel stressed and what triggers their smoking, and the bot will understand their patterns and later remind them why they should quit smoking.

Bricker emphasizes that QuitBot is not just a chatbot to help people quit smoking, but also a tool to help them break any habit they are trying to change. As a virtual coach, QuitBot works with individuals to set goals, provide encouragement and assistance as needed, teach coping techniques against cravings, and help them recover from setbacks.

With QuitBot, individuals can enjoy convenient 24/7 smoking cessation support, allowing them to receive help in the palm of their hand and overcome their addiction.