“Addiction isn’t the problem—it’s the solution we turn to when we don’t know how to face our pain. At Laser Quit, we don’t just help people stop the behavior; we help them heal the part of themselves that needed it in the first place.”
— Meridee Hlokoff
In a world overwhelmed by addiction, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependency—searching for solutions that often fall short. But what if the answer didn’t lie in medication, willpower, or endless therapy sessions? What if the body could be gently guided back to balance, rewired to release old habits and heal naturally? Enter Meridee Hlokoff, the visionary founder of Laser Quit, a groundbreaking holistic clinic that uses cold laser therapy to treat addiction at its neurological root. From smoking and alcohol to sugar, technology, and emotional eating, her unique approach is helping thousands reset their brains and reclaim their lives.
What makes Laser Quit truly revolutionary is its ability to treat almost any addiction without introducing another dependency. Merging cold laser technology with an intuitive understanding of trauma, hormone balance, and behavioral patterns, Meridee offers more than just treatment—she offers transformation. In this powerful and eye-opening interview, she shares her personal journey, the science behind her method, and real-life stories of people who went from rock bottom to full recovery. If you’ve ever believed addiction was a life sentence, this conversation may just change your mind.
Thank you so much for joining us, Meridee! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Absolutely! And thank you so much for having me. Laser Quit is what I call my passion project. It was born out of my own experience with addiction—specifically, smoking. I was a smoker from the age of 11, and despite trying everything to quit, nothing seemed to work. I felt desperate. One day, someone recommended cold laser therapy, and I thought, “Why not? I’ve tried everything else.” I went for the treatment, and on my way home, I forgot to smoke. That moment changed my life. From there, I became obsessed with understanding addiction—why we do what we do, how our brain chemistry plays a role, and more importantly, how we can actually heal. That’s when I knew I had to bring this to others.
What exactly is Laser Quit and how does it help with addiction?
Laser Quit is a 100% holistic addiction treatment clinic that uses cold laser therapy to help rewire the brain and stop addictive behaviors. The beauty of it is that it can be used to treat virtually any addiction—whether it’s nicotine, alcohol, sugar, gambling, pornography, or even phone and tech addiction. The cold laser works by stimulating acupuncture points, which helps the brain release the same feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that people often seek through addictive behavior. We essentially trick the brain into thinking it already got its “fix,” allowing the person to step away from the addiction more easily.
What inspired you to launch Laser Quit and dedicate yourself to this kind of work?
It was honestly my own struggle with smoking. I hated everything about it—the way it made me feel, the smell, the dependency. I would buy expensive perfumes just to cover the smell, but I still felt like I was carrying around a cloud of shame. I started smoking when I was 11 because my older sister encouraged me to “do it right,” and from then on, it became a crutch. Even when I managed to quit during pregnancy, I relapsed during emotionally stressful times like my divorce. That’s when I realized smoking was more than just a habit—it was an addiction tied to my emotions. Cold laser therapy gave me a path out. That freedom inspired me to help others find theirs.
Can you explain what happens during a cold laser therapy session? Is it painful or invasive?
Not at all. The treatment is completely non-invasive and painless. We use a cold laser device, which emits low-level light and radiation—nothing harmful—to stimulate acupuncture points in the body. It’s often combined with red light therapy, which is gaining popularity for its regenerative and healing properties. The process lasts under an hour, and most clients report feeling incredibly relaxed afterward. The effects can be immediate—many forget to engage in the addictive behavior they came in for.
Is this approach safe for everyone? What about people with underlying conditions?
Safety is our top priority. Cold laser therapy uses low-level radiation, so it doesn’t penetrate deeply or affect tissue in harmful ways. That said, we do have thorough consultations, especially for individuals with complex medical histories. One woman came in with severe anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, and seizures—though she initially didn’t disclose the full extent of her health issues. After treatment, her seizures dropped from over 50 a day to just five. Her story is one of my favorites—not just because of the outcome, but because it reminded me how resilient the body truly is when given the right support.
What does addiction look like through your lens? Is it always about substances?
Addiction is rarely just about the substance. It’s about behavior, trauma, and our need for relief. Whether it’s smoking, sugar, or scrolling endlessly on your phone, the root is often the same: we’re chasing dopamine to escape discomfort. That’s why our approach includes helping clients develop new coping mechanisms. The addiction is often a solution to emotional pain, not the core issue itself. Once we address that pain, the dependency starts to dissolve.
Can people relapse even after treatment? How do you help them stay on track?
Yes, relapse can happen. We see about 85% of clients experience immediate and lasting results, where they literally forget to engage in their addictive behavior. The remaining 15% may need more support. For them, we offer customized follow-up sessions and help them find healthy coping tools. Our goal is to not only get people sober but keep them sober. We’re here as guides through the process, not just one-time fixers.
What happens in the brain when someone stops an addictive substance?
It’s fascinating—and sobering. When someone stops using drugs, alcohol, or even sugar, their brain stops releasing the excessive endorphins it’s become accustomed to. This leads to a crash in mood and energy, which often results in depression. Studies show that it takes 14 to 18 months for the brain to recalibrate to a new normal. Our treatments help accelerate that process by forcing the brain to rewire and stabilize. That way, people aren’t stuck in a depressed state trying to process their trauma—they’re empowered to move through it.
Can Laser Quit help with weight management and emotional eating as well?
Absolutely. Our weight management programs begin with hormone assessments because so many issues stem from hormonal imbalances, especially for women over 35. If someone’s hormones are off, no amount of dieting or exercise will make a difference. We also address emotional eating by regulating dopamine and serotonin. After treatment, clients often lose interest in sugar-laden foods and naturally crave healthier options. We’ve seen people walk past chocolate and say “ew”—and that’s a big deal!
How do you differentiate between someone with food addiction and someone with hormone imbalance?
That’s an important distinction. If someone is eating due to emotional stress or trauma, that’s likely a food addiction. If the weight gain is centered in the midsection and won’t budge, it’s often hormonal. We tailor the treatment based on what the body is telling us. Sometimes we use hormone-regulating protocols, and other times we focus on helping the person find better emotional outlets. The goal is to listen to what the body needs and treat from the inside out.
Do you treat behavioral addictions like phone or gambling addiction?
Yes, and those are becoming increasingly common. Phone addiction, for example, mimics the same dopamine cycle we see in substance use. We treat behavioral addictions the same way we do chemical ones—by interrupting the reward loop, regulating brain chemistry, and supporting new habits. The beauty of holistic treatment is that it works across the board because the underlying pattern is the same.
What are some key differences between your method and traditional addiction treatments?
Traditional treatments often involve substituting one substance for another—like using methadone to wean off heroin. That’s not our approach. We don’t replace—we reset. There are no pills, no patches, no chemicals. It’s entirely your body doing the work with a little encouragement from the laser. We also don’t push a one-size-fits-all program. Whether you want to dive deep or just stop the habit, we’ll meet you where you are.
Tell us about your expansion—where is Laser Quit heading next?
We’re growing fast! We now have 10 locations across Canada and even one in Costa Rica. We’re launching a partnership model that allows wellness practitioners, spas, and clinics to offer Laser Quit services in their own spaces. I handle the training and support, and they provide the treatments. It’s a fractional franchise model that empowers others while spreading this healing work. Our goal is to be global within five years.
Do you have any stories of clients who really touched your heart?
So many. One that stands out is a mother who brought in her daughter addicted to heroin. The daughter arrived high and unable to communicate, but after treatment, she turned her life around. Sadly, her boyfriend relapsed and passed away. But she stayed clean, and today she’s thriving. Her mom once told me, “You didn’t just help me quit smoking—you saved my daughter.” That’s why I do what I do.
What are some important takeaways you’d like readers to remember from our conversation?
Hope is always possible. Even if it feels like you’ve tried everything, you probably haven’t tried Laser Quit. And if you love someone with addiction, don’t give up on them. There are paths to healing they haven’t yet explored. We are proof of that. Addiction is not a life sentence—it’s a challenge that can be overcome.
Can you briefly recap the types of services you offer?
Of course! We treat nearly every form of addiction—smoking, alcohol, food, sugar, tech, gambling, drugs, and more. We also focus heavily on hormone regulation and emotional wellness. Our programs are completely holistic, customizable, and designed to empower your body to heal itself. We also offer weight management, trauma support, and long-term coaching packages for those who want deeper transformation.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can find us at www.laserquitterapy.ca. That’s “laser” spelled with an S, not a Z. Or you can go to www.laserquit.net, which redirects to the same site. From there, you can email me, send a WhatsApp message, or just explore the services we offer. I’m always open to answering questions—we’re here to support and guide, not judge.
Meridee, thank you so much for being here and sharing your remarkable insight and story. The work you’re doing is not only groundbreaking—it’s giving people a second chance at life.
Thank you, Stacey. I’ve really enjoyed our conversation today. The more people we can reach, the more lives we can change. That’s what it’s all about.
