Although many smokers understand cigarettes are putting them at a greater risk of developing cancer and other health problems, it is still difficult to break the habit and quit. Luckily, there are many things that can make the process of quitting smoking easier and increase your chances of quitting smoking once and for all.
Nicotine Patch
The nicotine patch is a popular choice for people who are trying to quit smoking. It is easy to use, only requiring the patch be placed somewhere on the body and replaced every 24 hours. A steady dose of nicotine is released into the bloodstream, which helps control the cravings. One advantage of using the nicotine patch is that it is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription. An even better advantage of the patch is its ability to release a small dose of nicotine into the bloodstream before a craving occurs, unlike some other products that are typically used only after you are already craving a cigarette.
Nicotine Gum and Lozenges
Nicotine gum and lozenges release a small amount of nicotine when used, which is absorbed into the body through the mouth. An advantage of using these products over other nicotine replacement products is the ability to be in control over when the nicotine is released. You can choose to only use the product when you are experiencing a craving instead of always having the drug in your body at all times. Nicotine gum and lozenges are also both available without a prescription.
Nicotine Inhaler
The nicotine inhaler is similar to gum and lozenges because you are in complete control over when to deliver the nicotine, but it is not available over-the-counter and is only available with a prescription. Although many people may mistakenly believe the inhaler can be used to inhale the nicotine, similar to actually smoking a cigarette, the nicotine vapor from the inhaler in not meant to be inhaled into the lungs. Instead, it is supposed to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. However, an advantage of using the inhaler is that it requires a hand-mouth connection, which may help with cravings.
Medications
The medications Bupropion SR (also called Zyban) and Varenicline (also called Chantix) also can be useful as aids to stop smoking. Both medications are pills that must be taken daily, and both are available only with a prescription. Although these medications can be very effective, they are not without risks. Both Bupropion SR and Varenicline carry a black box warning from the FDA because they have been associated with serious mental health problems, so careful research and consideration to that issue should be given before deciding to use these medications.
Other Methods
Although these methods have not been proven to work in scientific studies, there are many anecdotal claims that other methods may help people quit smoking. Hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure or laser therapy might help people control their urge to smoke. In addition, some other methods that have been shown to increase the likelihood of success at quitting include having a strong support system of friends, family and even professional help who will assist you with the quitting process.
Related posts
Many studies have been conducted to highlight the dangers of chronic smoking.Numerous studies have shown the health hazards of smoking cigarettes. Smoking can cause lung cancer, among other types...
Smoking cigarettes has been proven to be one cause of serious medical conditions, such as lung cancer and disease, strokes and heart disease. There are a number of aids, many of which use nicotine...
When a person decides to quit smoking, he takes an important first step. The desire to quit is an excellent way to start the process, but often some help is needed. There are several quit-smoking...
Nicotine Products to Help Quit SmokingAccording to the National Cancer Institute, smoking can damage almost every organ in your body. It is also the leading cause of both cancer and deaths from ca...
Herbs to Help Stop SmokingThe United States Surgeon General states that smoking is the leading preventable disease in the U.S. With more than six million deaths a year, the obvious negative affect...
