I’m a Quitter!

The best quitting smoking tool is hands down, your own will and determination. If you aren’t motivated to quit, no one can help you. If you are absolutely determined to quit, there are many aids to HELP you. You just need to figure out what is right for you. Quitting smoking is a decision that needs a little backing. I can promise you that if I hadn’t had help, support, and nicotine replacements, I would not have been able to stop smoking. So, here are your options:

1. NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPIES (NRT’S): Nicotine aids provide a measured dose of nicotine to help ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Click here for a word on NRT’s.

A. The Patch: This is my favorite. The patch has three steps. It’s recommended that (if you smoke more than a half a pack a day start at step 1, if you smoke less, start at step 2) you do step one for six weeks, then step two for two weeks, and step three for two weeks. That way you will wean yourself off of the nicotine. The patch helps you get over your mental addiction to cigarettes by not being able to smoke with the patch on. Then when you step down, you are weaned off of nicotine and will get over your physical addiction. This is the most popular product on the market. Read about the pros and cons HERE.

B. Nicotine Gum: Nicorette and any other nicotine gum works best in combination with a stop smoking program. You chew the gum and the nicotine enters your bloodstream through your gums. This is also a good program for those who have a huge oral fixation with smoking. Read about the pros and cons HERE.

C. Nicotine Lozenges: This is basically the same as the nicotine gum. Read about the pros and cons HERE. D. Nicotine Inhaler: The nicotine inhaler is a cigarette-type device made up of a cartridge containing nicotine and a mouthpiece. It’s similar to smoking a cigarette. The nicotine absorption is slower than from a regular cigarette. Each puff contains about ten times less nicotine than a puff of a cigarette. Read about the pros and cons HERE.

D. Nicotine Nasal Spray: Nicotine nasal spray is aerosolized nicotine contained in a spray pump. The nicotine is delivered to the user by spraying it into the nostrils, and is rapidly absorbed by the nasal membranes inside the nose. The spray device is similar to over-the-counter decongestant sprays. Read about the pros and cons HERE.

E. Nicotine Inhaler: The nicotine inhaler is a cigarette-type device made up of a cartridge containing nicotine with menthol, and a mouthpiece. When air is inhaled through the device, it is saturated with nicotine, which is then absorbed through the lining of the mouth and upper esophagus. The absorption of nicotine is slower than from a regular cigarette. Read more HERE.

A note about Nicotine Replacement Therapies: There is always a chance to get addicted to using the replacements because they contain nicotine. Please follow the directions and wean yourself off of whatever product you decide to use.

2. COLD TURKEY: This is the term that describes quitting smoking without using any kind of aid. It’s actually a great way to quit since most of the nicotine will be out of your system within days. It may be uncomfortable and intense, but the physical withdrawal is really short.

3. PHARMACEUTICALS

A.Bupropion: Bupropion hydrochloride, marketed under the names Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL by GlaxoSmithKline, is an anti-depressant drug that also works well as a smoking cessation aid. It has been shown to dramatically reduce physical withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine. Check out the pros and cons HERE.

B.Verenicline Tartrate: Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Inc, varenicline tartrate is marketed under the trademark of Chantix. Approved by the FDA in May 2006, Chantix has the unique ability to partially activate nicotinic receptors in the brain, reducing a person’s craving for nicotine when he quits smoking. Additionally, if a person smokes during the course of varenicline treatment, the drug impedes smoking satisfaction by blocking nicotine from binding with these same receptors. Check out the pros and cons HERE.

Also, check out these Testimonials about Chantix. And don’t forget to read about the side effects.

4.ACUPUNCTURE: This ancient chinese medical practice uses thin needles placed at specific spots in the skin to treat pain or disease. It can be used to treat addiction to nicotine. There is a HUGE following for Acupuncture, especially to help quit smoking.

5. HYPNOSIS. Hypnosis puts people into an altered state of mind where they become more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to quit smoking, and while it seems to work well for some, it isn’t for everyone. Learn what you need to know to decide if it’s right for you. Check out the pros and cons HERE.

6. NATURAL REMEDIES: There are plenty of homeopathic and natural remedies to help you quit smoking. All of these can be taken in pill form, tea, a tincture, etc.

A. Lobelia Inflata (Indian Tobacco): This is an herb that helps people fight the effects of nicotine withdrawal and is found in many anti-smoking products.Research has shown that lobeline may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain similar to cigarettes. Dopamine influences mood and produces feelings of pleasure. There is still no evidence, however, showing that lobelia supplements help people quit smoking. Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb, and should not be used unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Read more about it HERE.

B. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum): Although this herb is used primarily for depression, there is some preliminary research on this herb to help people quit smoking. Read more HERE.

C. Ginseng: Ginseng has been shown to prevent the nicotine-induced release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is what makes people feel good after smoking and is part of the addiction process. Read more HERE.

7. QUITLINE: This is a free phone service to help you quit smoking. You can actually talk to another person who is an expert on quitting smoking. They will help you every step of the way. It actually doubles your chances of quitting for good. And it’s FREE! 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Read more info HERE.

8. COUNSELING/SUPPORT GROUPS: For some people, the best thing they can do for themselves when trying to stop an addiction is get some major support. Counseling and support groups are fabulous help. Check and see what is available in your area. All of these above options are most successful when combined with modification of behaviors that were previously associated with smoking. Additional counseling may include stress management, weight control, and tips for preventing relapse.

9. FREE HELP: Get a free e-book that will help you quit. Go to EasyQuit System and press the upper right hand corner. There’s also StopBuddy, which is pretty cool. Check out your state as well. Some states give away discounts, coupons, or even free Nicotine replacements!

Remember that in order for quitting to really work, you need a plan! There are plenty of websites that are there simply to help you create a personalized smoking cessation plan. This one is great!

Credits due.