Considered to be one of the primary causes of lung cancer, smoking is a bad habit that should be stopped at once. Smoking can also cause diseases like myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. Even second-hand smoke is known to be hazardous to a person’s health. Because of the addictive nicotine content found in most cigarettes, smokers have a hard time quitting. If you are a smoker and really serious in stopping, here are some methods that you can explore.
Substitutes
Smokers claim that they experience withdrawal symptoms when they decide to stop smoking. To relieve them of these symptoms, they could use substitutes which contain nicotine such as nicotine gums or lozenges. This method is called nicotine replacement therapy and is very effective for people who want to stop smoking permanently.
Nicotine Patches
The most popular method of smoking cessation is the use of nicotine patches. As the term suggests, they are patches that contain nicotine and placed on the person’s body. The nicotine is supposed to be absorbed by the skin. Compared to gums and lozenges, nicotine patches last longer and is more effective in stopping the urge to smoke.
Medication
Some smokers prefer to remove nicotine from their body entirely. But instead of simply stopping, they use medications such as Zyban , Chantix or Wellbutrin. These drugs do not contain nicotine and acts by reducing cravings for nicotine as well as relieving withdrawal symptoms.
Support Groups
Aside from patches, gums or prescription drugs, people who are trying to quit smoking should join a support group. This could help them manage their withdrawal symptoms better and seek assistance when their cravings become too much to handle. In the United Kingdom, there are telephone “quit lines” which provide assistance and support.
Self-Help Books
There are also many available self-help books that smokers can read to help them stop smoking. These books are usually authored by individuals who have experienced quitting and were successful in doing so.
It is important to remember that you can stop smoking if you just make a conscious decision to do so. Although it may be tough especially if you have been a smoker for a long time, it would ultimately benefit your health as well as the health of the people around you. If you are serious in your goal to stop smoking, then make sure you stick to your smoking cessation program.