The best ways to quit smoking
The most important aspect of wanting to quit smoking is motivation. Without any real drive to stop smoking, it鈥檚 going to be very difficult.
While quitting cold turkey works for some people, the success rate is poor. Getting over nicotine addiction can be challenging and there are additional supports that can help.
Nicotine replacement has been in the press recently with a study declaring that nicotine patches, gum and inhalers were no more effective than quitting cold turkey on long-term quit rates.
Nicotine replacement is really only designed for the short-term help with cravings when you first quit. Beyond six to eight weeks after stopping smoking, there is not much use.
If you use nicotine replacement, it鈥檚 suggested you use a combination of delivery methods 鈥� a patch that gives an even dose of nicotine through the day and a way to give a quick burst of nicotine for cravings. Gum, lozenges and inhalers can be good for this.
Used in this combination, you can double your chances of quitting.
There are several doctor-prescribed medications designed to help reduce the cravings.
Zyban has been shown to help increase the chance of successfully quitting. Side effects include dry mouth, upset stomach and, very rarely, seizures.
Varenicline, marketed under the name Champix, has been shown to more than double the rate of people successfully quitting. Studies show it to be slightly more effective than Zyban. One side effect is mild nausea, however, it appears this reduces over time.
There is concern that it can lower mood in people with previous depression. It鈥檚 not recommended for people who have severe depression or who have had suicidal thoughts or attempts in the past, without careful monitoring.
Research shows regular phone contact to be very helpful in stopping smoking. Services like Quitline offer phone support.
While the medical data does not show additional benefits of hypnosis, many patients report success with it.
Finding a good hypnotist can be difficult. There are web-based alternatives, however, that appear to have good results. One site recommended to me by a patient who did very well is Fresh Start.
The evidence for acupuncture is very poor. It鈥檚 not as effective as nicotine replacement, medications or telephone-based help, however, it鈥檚 been noted to be 鈥渂etter than nothing鈥�.
If you are keen, there are many ways to help reduce your smoking. Don鈥檛 be afraid to try multiple ways if you have not had success with one method. The key is to keep working on it!
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