DENVER -- A medical breakthrough may be helping smokers who are trying to kick the habit. The laser is not new technology but science is still discovering new ways to use it.

A Denver treatment center is helping long-time smokers quit using laser treatments, which has been used in other countries for decades.

Rick Meyer has smoked for more than half his life.

"I've tried everything -- Zyban, cold turkey, gum, patch," Meyer said.

But they didn't work. That's why he tried low-level laser therapy.

"I just want the edge off," Meyer said.

The laser basically mimics nicotine's effect on the brain. Technicians use a cold, non-surgical laser on acupuncture points that are specific to nicotine addiction.

"The laser is stimulating nerve endings. It sends a signal to his brain to elevate his endorphin levels," said Karen Trench, a certified laser technician. "What this is doing is combining 5,000-year-old acupuncture with modern day infrared laser light pulse technology."

The idea is to keep endorphin levels elevated long enough for nicotine to naturally flush from his system, eliminating the cravings.

Beverly Epstein's been nicotine free for three months and said the treatments worked.

"It was kind of my dirty secret. Now, not smoking, it has freed me so much and I feel so much better about myself," Epstein said.

"You felt sensations but it didn't hurt," she said.

Meyer's first treatment brought new hope.

"I don't have that urge to have a cigarette," he said afterward.

The American Cancer Society said cold laser therapy is an unproven method and still encourages smokers to use FDA-approved quitting methods.

As part of their clinical trials, the Stop Smoking Laser Center is offering no-cost treatments to a few, low-income individuals who qualify.

To learn more about the Stop Smoking Laser Center, call (877) ENDSMOKE or (303) 565-1545 or go to EndSmoke.com.