Researchers from Auckland University, New Zealand, developed an SMS-based program to help students stop smoking by text messaging them with support and tips to help avoid recidivism. The best write-up I could find is by the New Zealand Herald and says:
“There are several ways we think it worked,” said Dr Rodgers. “Free texting acted like “chewing gum for the fingers” and helped with distraction as people texted friends and family. We sent personalised texts on things like coping with urges to smoke, avoiding weight gain, and just plain general interest stuff on sports, music and fashion.
“Using text crave, participants could “pull” a message of support. Text polls and quizzes added further distraction. A lot of people picked up on text buddies too, with people who were due to quit around the same day helping each other out.”
Those with access to the text messaging support were twice as likely to successfully quit smoking than those who went it alone.