Want to Quit Smoking? Finding a Program That's Right For You
Written by: Thomas Bloodworth
Stop Smoking Resources
It seems like every other time you turn on the news, there's some new information about the dangers of cigarette smoke. Luckily, in most communities there are several quit smoking programs, or resources in place to find one nearby. Besides community centers, libraries, doctor's offices, hospitals, and nursing homes, some schools and colleges may also offer information designed to help people find ways of quitting smoking.
Stop Smoking Success Doesn't Happen Overnight
Embarking on any quit smoking program requires the right frame of mind for the best chance of success. Most people's busy lives don't always have the room for an involved program that takes up a lot of time. However, much like most things in life, being successful at quitting smoking doesn't happen overnight.
Replace your Desire to Smoke with a Desire to Quit Smoking
Another must-have when attempting to stop smoking is a true desire to want to quit. When the negatives about smoking start to outweigh the positives, you know you're ready to start the process of ending your nicotine addiction for good.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) often plays a role in many quit smoking programs in various forms such as gums, lozenges, nasal sprays, and of course, the nicotine patch. These products are used as an alternative to the "cold turkey" method of quitting smoking, helping people to gradually reduce their nicotine intake and reduce the effects of withdrawal.
Quit Smoking Prescription Medication
Prescription medication is yet another option to add to your own program or method of quitting smoking. Similar to an antidepressant, the drug bupropion is thought to help ease withdrawal, reducing agitation and anxiety during this difficult time. It's a good idea to ask your doctor about any available medications that might be effective in your particular case, as well as any questions you may have about drugs used for stopping smoking.
Herbal Products
For those looking for an all-natural type of quit smoking program, there are herbal products touted as being helpful for a few different reasons. Besides helping to detoxify and cleanse your body, some herbs may reduce the desire to smoke by altering the taste of cigarettes, as well as reduce cravings. Some herbs mimic nicotine, helping control symptoms of withdrawal, and can be found in the form of teas, or capsules and herbal patches. Following the all-natural theme, some people also find success with acupuncture or hypnotherapy when battling nicotine and smoking.
Keep a Stop Smoking Journal
Many people find it rather helpful to keep a smoking journal, recording their thoughts and noting when the desire to smoke is the strongest. Set a "quit date" and inform all your family and friends of your intentions to become smoke-free. Allow no one to smoke in your home or car, and if possible, avoid situations where people will be smoking during the first few weeks of quitting.
Nicotine Withdrawal is Only Temporary
Since everyone is different, there's no one method that's a surefire way of quitting smoking. The key is to finding the one that you respond to, and enables you to follow through with your desire to become healthier. Although it may seem as if it'll never end, it's important to remind yourself that withdrawal is only a temporary aspect of quitting the habit. The trick is getting through it without looking back, without falling prey to your old habits while following the one quit smoking program that's right for you.
