The patch is one of the first things that come to mind when people think about aids to stop smoking. This is because the nicotine patch is well known and commonly available at most pharmacies. The patch is designed to help ease the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms.

Many smokers suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they are quitting smoking. These symptoms may include things like headaches, cravings, tiredness, short tempers, and increased anxiety. Using a patch can help alleviate these symptoms, especially in controlling cravings. Nicotine patches can be used to deliver nicotine doses to those trying to stop smoking. To be effective, they must be used every day for about ninety days. Approximately twenty percent of dedicated quitters can stop smoking with the aid of a nicotine patch. Nicotine patches can cause skin irritation and difficulty sleeping. It is recommended that those trying to stop smoking also start therapy along with a nicotine patch to improve their odds of success.

Zyban (bupropion) is commonly prescribed as a stop smoking aid. Although it is actually an antidepressant, studies have shown that it also helps suppress withdrawal symptoms. This is a great benefit to smokers who are trying to break the habit. Zyban has, in fact, been proven in some studies to be twice as effective as the nicotine patch when it comes to helping stop smoking. No matter what, it is not addictive and easy to use. There are some side effects when taking Zyban, such as dry mouth and difficulty sleeping, but it is definitely worth trying.

Stop smoking aids include nicotine gum and nicotine inhalers. Nicotine gum helps smokers quit smoking by giving their mouths something to do. Many smokers who quit smoking end up gaining weight because they tend to eat more food or snacks in order to compensate for the lack of a cigarette. Nicotine gum, in this case, is most useful for those individuals who are scared to quit because they fear gaining weight. Nicotine gum also helps people get over their cravings during their withdrawal period, as smokers chew nicotine gum instead of smoking. Nicotine gum is best used for three months.

Nicotine inhalers are stop smoking aids that allow smokers to take a nicotine dose whenever they feel it's necessary. The inhaler imitates the nicotine effects of smoking, and helps make quitting smoking easier for those trying to stop smoking. Throat and mouth irritation are some of the side effects.

It is important to remember, however, that stop smoking aids can only work when individuals want them to work. That is, individuals must be fully dedicated to quitting smoking. This inner drive and motivation is the only way smokers will be able to quit smoking. Though stop smoking aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine pills, nicotine gum, and nicotine inhalers can help smokers quit, nothing can help them quit permanently except willpower.