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Best way to quit smoking?:We all know someone who has tried to quit smoking and failed (several times probably). In 2004 44 million adults in the US were current smokers and it's estimated that 70% of those smokers want to quit but can't find the will power to do so. 40% of smokers in 2004 had tried to quit for at least 1 day during the previous 12 months. We know it's hard and we know it's bad for you to smoke cigarettes on a regular basis. The addiction is to the nicotine in the cigarettes and some people are smoking 2 or 3 packs a day. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to become educated on how addiction works, what may help you to break the addiction, and how to proceed. Your options includes hypnosis, acupuncture, cold turkey, gradual tapering, nicotine patch, nicotine gum, and all require the support of family and friends if you are to be successful. No sense hanging around people who still offer you cigarettes. Antidepressants such as Zyban may be useful as an aid for quite a few people. Most people relapse at least once and that is perfectly normal, but getting back on your "stop smoking" routine is important.
What are the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes?:A 2004 Surgeon General report found the following health consequences of smoking tobacco cigarettes:
Nicotine Patches versus Nicorette Gum:Nicotine patches are generally very effective when used by a motivated smoker. Most people note a very substantial decrease in their withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will not totally disappear, but instead of being overwhelming and almost all-encompassing, the symptoms often become manageable. Use of patches generally double the success rates of other programs. Nicotine gum is good if used properly. It's supposed to be chewed initially in the mouth and then placed between the teeth and gums. Nicorette is the leading brand of gum for people looking to quit smoking. From a common sense point of view, we feel that the gum is better than the patch in that many people have developed an 'oral fixation' with cigarettes and tend to overeat if they try to stop smoking. By having some gum in your mouth throughout the day you are less likely to snack on foods to feed that need that the cigarette used to fill. Patches are great at reducing the withdrawal symptoms but gum could help keep the weight off as well. If not nicorette gum, then at least consider chewing sugar free gum instead of snacking on chips or other unhealthy foods.
Hypnosis:Hypnosis offers one huge advantage that some of the other treatments don't - it uses the power of positive suggestion to help you stop smoking. Experts say this is a crucial part of developing will power and the added determination needed to quit smoking. Studies show that it's not the perfect solution, but when packaged with other quitting behaviors it can definitely add to the success rate. Many people relapse back into smoking since a little voice in their brains says that one cigarette can't hurt and they go ahead and smoke again. The problem is that the voice is repeatedly asking for more since the addiction to nicotine is strong. You are better off training your mind to think positive thoughts about ways to replace the cigarette with something healthier. As we mentioned above, many people who quit smoking often gain weight since they are feeding something into their mouths to satiate the need. Keep lots of fruits and vegetables around the house to snack on and positive reminders on doors throughout the house that you "can kick the habit".
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