How to Quit Smoking - Useful Tips and Information

By: John mathew

Smoking is not good for health. It is an accepted fact of life. Smoking is harmful and disastrous for the health of human being. Despite knowing this, people find it very difficult to quit smoking. In case a person is concerned about his health in the true sense, he or she has no other alternative but to quit smoking.

One of the best things a smoker can do to Live Life Well is quit smoking. The health benefits of quitting occur for all smokers, regardless of age, sex or length of time that they have been smoking.

People who have already developed smoking-related health problems, like heart disease will also benefit from quitting.

Non-nicotine medications help you stop smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Currently, bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) are the only two medications that don't contain nicotine which are approved as smoking cessation aids. These anti-smoking pills are intended for short-term use.

Start with some pre-preparation by ensuring that you really do want to quit smoking and understanding why you smoke. Are these reasons powerful enough to motivate you when you are faced with those tricky situations? Write down your reasons for quitting. You may want to take a look at some of the benefits of quitting.

If you find you are losing motivation to quit, remind yourself of the many medical and financial benefits of quitting! For example, did you know that 12 months after quitting, your risk of heart disease is reduced to nearly half that of a smoker's? Remember the results of the myDr smoking cost calculator to help keep you motivated

People whose friends and family help them quit are much more likely to succeed. If you don't want to tell your parents or family that you smoke, make sure your friends know, and consider confiding in a counselor or other adult you trust. And if you're having a hard time finding people to support you (if, say, all your friends smoke and none of them is interested in quitting), you might consider joining a support group, either in person or online.

Nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches or chewing gum, could be a good idea for those who smoke heavily or who feel they may need the extra help. There are also medicines available on prescription, such as varenicline (brand name Champix) and bupropion (brand name Zyban) that can help you quit by reducing withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Talk to your doctor about what would be best for you.

Taking An Oral Substitute

In one study, about 25% of quitters found that an oral substitute was invaluable. Another 25% didn't like the idea at all - they wanted a clean break with cigarettes. The rest weren't certain.

One can use cinnamon sticks, chewing gum or artificial cigarettes as a substitute. You will mostly find that after the first week of being a non smoker, you wouldn't even need these.

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