A combination of concerns over public health and the 2008 statewide ban on smoking in public places has left many employers vowing to help their employees break the smoking habit.

A new company, and some relatively new technology, is helping business owners do just that.

Achieve Wellness Professionals is a smoking cessation clinic offering the latest in low level laser therapy to curb nicotine addiction. But what makes the company unique is that its services are marketed directly to businesses as a wellness option for their workers.

Through Achieve Wellness, a group of employees can receive smoking cessation therapy, coaching and information at the workplace, in a group setting.

“We kind of took the Weight Watchers model,” said company founder David Jackson. “They started out going to companies and starting groups that way. We thought it worked well for us.”

The therapy works by addressing both the physical and mental needs of the smoking addict, Jackson said. Laser therapy boosts the release of endorphins in the patient, which mimics the effects of nicotine, satiating the smoker’s cravings for a cigarette. Treatment takes about 20 minutes and lasts 3-5 days.

“It’s a portable service,” said Jackson. “We come to the company and the time it takes from the work day is minimal and short-term.

The team will visit the company for two procedures, on day one and again day three or four, to administer a second treatment. There’s also follow-up treatment with coaching and phone calls. Each person who goes through the treatments has a third treatment available, if needed.

“For most people, two is enough.” Jackson said. “The physical draw of the nicotine works its way out of the body in about five days.”

And that’s a small amount of time to change a costly habit, Jackson said. According to the surgeon general, Jackson said, the costs of employing a smoker can average $3,400 more than those of a non-smoker. At about $300 per employee, it’s easy for businesses to see the advantage of offering a smoking cessation program to their staff, he said.

“Companies are as concerned with rising health care costs as the employees are,” Jackson said. Couple that with increased productivity and lower absenteeism, and the businesses see the benefits of having their employees quit smoking.

“Most businesses pay half of the cost of the service,” Jackson said. “That amount to about $150 per employee. They could have ten people who participate, and if just one breaks the habit, they have recouped the investment and more.” he said.

It also makes the companies look good to their employees, Jackson said, that they are taking an interest and offering this kind of service.

Jackson started Achieve Wellness after he tried the laser treatment himself in 2005.

“My brother-in-law had tried it in Atlanta, and said it worked great, so I tried it and it worked for me,” he said.

Previously in the recruiting business, Jackson had always looked for an opportunity for self-employment. About the same time he quit smoking, his company closed up shop, and Jackson decided to open the smoking cessation clinic.

After a lot of research and formal training and certification, Jackson opened Achieve Wellness in Schaumburg in July 2007. There also is a clinic in Oak Brook.

The staff of four includes Jackson and his partner, a registered nurse and another employee who handles the business-to-business marketing of the clinic. As an off-shoot of the clinic, a second business provides the treatment to individuals.

Available overseas for about two decades and here in the United States for about five years, the treatment is in the process of getting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It’s currently it is considered an alternative therapy. Insurance plans don’t always cover the treatment, but with approval pending, Jackson is confident.

“We are recognized by the American Cancer Society, and a doctor can prescribe the treatment and have it covered,” he said. “Plus, the cost is relatively low.” Also, many EAP and flexible spending health plans cover the expense.

One of the key ingredients of the business, Jackson said, is sales experience.

“A lot of people in this line of work don’t have a sales background,” he said. “We’re used to dealing with companies, serving their needs, and we approach this service the same way.”

That’s why Jackson and his team customize the program for businesses, offer everything on-site or at one of their clinics, and even provide the company with an ROI report.

“It’s non-invasive, affordable and quick,” said Jackson. ‘The businesses like it and so do the employees, and that makes it a great service to sell.”