There are almost as many ways to quit smoking as there are cigarette brands! If you are trying to stop, the best place to start is to review all the popular ways to quit smoking and select the one that seems to fit your temperament. This article summarizes the best known methods for quitting.
Cold Turkey Method
This is one of the oldest ways people have used to kick the smoking habit. It relies on using willpower alone. You can either stop suddenly from one day to the next, or you can gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day.
Although the cold turkey method works people usually suffer from withdrawal symptoms and quitting long term can be difficult.
Nicotine Replacement Products
These have become a method of choice for many people. The basic concept is to replace cigarette smoking with substitute products containing controlled amounts of nicotine. Typical products include the nicotine patch, nicotine gum and lozenges. By gradually reducing the amount of nicotine over time you will no longer have the physical craving for cigarettes. The advantage of nicotine replacement therapies is that the withdrawal symptoms are greatly reduced.
hypnosis
Hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, attacks the smoking habit using the psychological approach. Through hypnosis, smokers convince themselves they no longer have a need for cigarettes. The advantage of this method is that it is 100% natural. It doesn’t use drugs or nicotine. You can either see a qualified hypnotist or use a self-hypnosis program.
Prescription Drugs
These drugs work in a similar way to nicotine replacement products without using nicotine. A typical treatment will last for several weeks and you will need a doctor’s prescription to buy them. Examples of these products are Wellbutrin and Chantix.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China as a way to cure many medical conditions. It uses small needles inserted at key pressure points in the body, to reduce the desire for cigarettes. The advantage of acupuncture is that it is a non-medical way to quit smoking.
Laser Therapy
Often known as cold laser treatment this method stimulates nerve centers throughout the body to cure the craving for nicotine. Like acupuncture this is a non-medical approach to quitting.
Counselling And Support Groups
This involves individual and group meetings to help people stop smoking. Most communities will host groups like this on a volunteer basis. Alternatively you can visit a therapist to help you quit.
Conclusion
These are some of the top ways to quit smoking. You can also combine these for a greater chance of success. For example you could use the nicotine patch together with counselling sessions or hypnosis. You can find more details on the various ways to quit smoking from the link in the writer’s biography below.
Mike is an ex-smoker who finally quit after twenty years. He is now an active runner and has completed over 20 marathons. You'll find more information on his website Ways To Quit Smoking.
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