Quit Smoking Support: Why it's essential for kicking the habit
Written by: Jillian Crouch
Smoking is a Powerful Addiction
Smoking is one of the most powerful of all addictions, fueled by the drug nicotine with most people trying to quit dozens of times before finally becoming smoke-free. Although there's no one method that proves successful for everyone, one thing ex-smokers commonly report as making the most difference in their attempt to quit was whether or not they had some form of support while going through the process.
Much like most things we do, the more support you have in your endeavors, the more likely you are to succeed. Here are some of the most common methods of support people turn to when trying to quit smoking.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT plays an important role for many people who are seeking some type of support while quitting smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy involves using either nicotine patches, inhalers, nasal sprays, chewing gum, lozenges or tablets. With each medium, the amount of nicotine is slowly reduced over a several month period, gradually decreasing the body's nicotine levels while minimizing the effects of withdrawal.
Prescription Medication
Currently, there are several prescription drugs that may be useful for quitting smoking and dealing with nicotine cravings. Bupropion, used as an antidepressant, was found to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal by lessening agitation and anxiety. Varenicline is another medication often prescribed that doesn't contain nicotine and isn't addictive.
Natural Remedies and Alternative Methods
Some smokers choose to rely upon products with all-natural ingredients such as herbal teas, patches, or capsules when trying to quit, while others turn to methods such as hypnotherapy, self-hypnosis, or meditation. Laser therapy and acupuncture are two techniques used that have similar principles, with acupuncture using fine needles inserted into certain pressure points on the body, and laser therapy using pulses of light on those same points.
Smoking Cessation Groups
Many hospitals, doctor's offices, health centers, and clinics sponsor smoking cessation groups or workshops either free of charge, or those that are covered by health insurance. There are also government-funded programs, and each state's local health department should have plenty of information on the subject.
Support groups may be helpful for those who feel they would benefit from the camaraderie that comes with being near like-minded people, sharing similar ideas, offering encouragement and support to one another. Those struggling with nicotine addiction may find that attending a support group in addition to using NRT or taking prescription medications may boost their chances of becoming a non-smoker.
Stop Smoking Internet Support Groups
Some groups offer 24-hour phone or internet support as well as access to numerous resources and information related to quitting smoking, becoming healthier, and being more active in your life as a non-smoker. Depending on the group, some might meet once per week, while others have meetings several times a week, and then follow-up meetings for months at a time. Since the majority of relapses occur within the first three months, programs often run 12 weeks or longer.
For others trying to quit smoking, support may include one or several of the following:
- Participating in online forums, courses, or chat rooms devoted to quitting smoking.
- Taking a stress management course.
- Seeking individual counseling as opposed to group therapy.
- Using products such as artificial cigarettes or nicotine blockers.
- Following audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, or books devoted to quitting smoking.
- Seeking the advice and support of former smokers.
