Find the Best Way for You to Finally Stop Smoking
Written by: Kristi Smith
Thanks to recent medical research, we now know that an addiction to smoking cigarettes involves far more than simply choosing to smoke. Compared to the intense addiction associated with heroine, a nicotine dependency is most usually too powerful for one to overcome using sheer willpower alone. Luckily, there are several methods of support to take advantage of to finally stop smoking, once and for all.
Although no one particular method has been deemed as a the perfect cure-all for overcoming an addiction to nicotine, studies do show that those who use some form of support have a far greater success rate than those who try to quit smoking using the method familiarly known as "cold turkey."
Some of the methods most often used for becoming smoke-free include the following options:
Medication
Today there are several different types of prescription drugs that have proven to be effective for many who are coping with nicotine withdrawal. The antidepressant drug bupropion has been found to also help people who are trying to stop smoking, as well as those dealing with anxiety and depression. Scientists theorize that many smokers also have anxiety related conditions, and the chemicals in the bupropion work by facilitating messages within the brain's many receptors, allowing them to better deal with symptoms such as agitation, a rather common side effect of nicotine withdrawal.
Another prescription medication, varenicline, has also been used by smokers in an effort to stop smoking. Since the drug isn't addictive, has a relatively low amount of side effects, and also doesn't contain nicotine, it offers several favorable benefits.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may come in many forms, including the patch, which is the most commonly used, chewing gum, nasal spray and inhalers, as well as tablets and nicotine lozenges. Regardless of the product used, the process is the same; to gradually decrease one's intake of nicotine while easing the symptoms of withdrawal.
Natural Methods
Those interested in natural products or remedies use methods such as hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, and laser therapy as a means of quitting smoking. Also available are patches, capsules, and teas made from all-natural or herbal ingredients as a means of dealing with nicotine withdrawal.
Support Groups and Counseling
Some people feel they benefit greatly from the support and advice of others who are also trying to stop smoking, either through websites or online forums where one can have instant access to helpful information and messages from those in similar situations, or through smoking cessation groups. Many types of health insurance will usually cover any fees associated with attending group support meetings, also, hospitals, health clinics, and doctor's offices often sponsor free or low-cost workshops for those interested in quitting their smoking habit.
Other smokers may feel more comfortable in a one-on-one atmosphere and would benefit from personal counseling sessions with a therapist. Depending on the type of therapy or the group involved, sessions may be weekly, or several times each week, usually lasting for three months, or longer.
Stress management courses and self-help methods such as subliminal or audio tapes and CDs are other popular choices used when battling nicotine addiction. As each person and their nicotine addiction is different, some will benefit from combining two or more methods of quitting smoking.
