BOSTON -- Smokers in Massachusetts might have a new tool to help them kick the habit.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that a new laser smoking treatment has received a lot of publicity in Florida and Europe, and just opened its doors in Burlington this month.

Michelle McCausland knows firsthand that constant cravings make smoking a difficult habit to break.

"I've smoked a pack a day for 21 years," said McCausland.

She said she failed every attempt to quit until she came to the Anne Penman Laser Therapy Center two weeks ago.

"I haven't even touched one (cigarette)," she said.

Often called laser acupuncture, the technique shines a cold, painless laser on 27 pressure points including the ear, nose and wrist.

"This laser just simply balances out the endorphins -- increases and balances them and gets the body in a nice, even keel. They leave very relaxed, and it's long lasting, as long as they don't smoke," said Steve Mocanu, Anne Penman Laser Therapy franchise owner.

The results can be measured with a breath test that monitors carbon monoxide levels in the body. Carbon monoxide levels in heavy smokers can run as high as 20 percent. McCausland has lowered her level from 8.6 percent to .9 percent.

McCausland said motivation helps make occasional urges manageable.

"Once in a while when I'm driving in the car, I'll want a cigarette because I'd normally smoke at that time -- like going to work or after work, but it's fleeting and it's minimal," she said.

The $299 treatment includes five sessions. But the American Lung Association would prefer smokers spent that on other methods, saying, "There is no scientific basis that laser therapy is successful at helping smokers quit."

The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved it yet, but allows franchises to treat smokers as long as they collect data for review.

McCausland is already a believer.

"I feel so much better, so much better and it's only been two weeks," she said.

McCausland is hoping the laser gets her through the rest of her life smoke-free. She said she has lost 3 pounds, where all other attempts to quit smoking resulted in weight gain.