What are the ways to quit smoking?

Ways to quit smoking come in various types and methods. Due to the fact that all humans are different you should therefore examine which method is best suited for you. Regardless of your age, quitting tobacco can be a real headache for many. If you are considering quitting tobacco, you should be sure to take all necessary steps that will help in making this a reality. There are both natural and non-natural ways of quitting tobacco. Natural ways involve the use of herbal substances that act in the same manner to the nicotine but are not addictive. Non-natural ways include the use of prescribed medication to help stop the nicotine habit. However, these drugs may cause some side effects due to their chemical composition. The natural ways to quit smoking do not have side effects; in fact, they are beneficial to your health. On the other hand, smoking cessation drugs can help in easing the withdrawal symptoms that come along with complete withdrawal from nicotine. You should talk to a doctor in order to get advice on the most suitable quitting method for you.

Ways to quit smoking include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy: this refers to the act of replacing cigarettes with other nicotine substitutes such as a nicotine patch or a nicotine gum. This usually works by delivering small amounts of nicotine to the body so as to deal with withdrawal symptoms which are sometimes very difficult to deal with for some people. This helps smokers to break their psychological addiction thereby making it easier for the addicted people to learn new behaviors.

• Non-nicotine medication: this method helps you to quit smoking by reducing your cravings and withdrawal symptoms without using nicotine. However, these medications are intended for short periods only because they are also addictive. You should be careful not to become addicted to them as well.

• Hypnosis: this is a popular option that has produced good results. It works by getting you into a deep state of relaxation where you become open to suggestions that will strengthen you quest to quit smoking and at the same time increase your negative feelings towards cigarettes.

• Acupuncture: this is one of the oldest medical techniques, it is however believed to work by triggering the release of natural pain relievers that then allow the body to relax. It can help in dealing with withdrawing symptoms of tobacco addiction. 

• Behavioral therapy: the addiction of nicotine is related to habitual behaviors that are involved in smoking. Behavioral therapy refers to the learning new coping skills and at the same time breaking those old habits.

• Motivational therapy: it is important to find a way to motivate yourself to quit smoking. For example, you can think of the monetary savings that you will make if you quit smoking. The support of friends and family can also help in motivating you to quit smoking.

• Reduction: you can systematically reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day until you eventually quit smoking. However, this requires a high degree of discipline for it to be successful.

Ways to quit smoking

There are a number of ways to quit smoking that you can use. However, not all options are entirely beneficial to you. There are both natural ways which employ the use of herbs. This method is more beneficial to you because it does not have any side effects. The other method is by use of prescription drugs. This method has side effects to your body due to the existence of chemicals in the drugs. These methods work differently depending on the person. It is therefore important that you choose a program or method that works best for you. Some of these methods include:

Ways to quit smoking

• Nicotine replacement therapy: this is one of the most recognizable quitting methods. This treatment includes the use of nicotine gums, nasal sprays and patches. However, this method has one shortcoming, it is also addictive. You should therefore be very careful that you do not become addicted to the nicotine substitutes.

• Herbal products: these are natural options to the nicotine replacement therapy that can help you to deal with the nicotine addiction. Some herbs behave in a similar manner to nicotine, whereby, they trick your nicotine receptors into thinking that you are getting a nicotine substance but it is not addictive. Other herbal substances help in relieving you from the symptoms of withdrawal that you are experiencing as a result of withdrawal from nicotine.

• Aversion therapy: this is a method whereby a victim self administers a mild electric shock from a normal 9volt battery as he/she smokes a cigarette.

• You should have your own quit smoking plan. Start by setting a quit date and work towards achieving this. Involve your friends and family by making them aware of you quest to quit smoking as they will offer you with moral support as well as encouragement.

• Know your motivation: whenever the urge to smoke comes, your brain will rationalize the situation and make you think that there is no harm in smoking. You should find out why you’re smoking before the urge comes. Always have good reasons for quitting. List them out and put them in a place where they will remain to be a constant reminder of the reason why you want to quit smoking.

• Join a forum: consider joining an online forum of quitting smokers. This may do a great deal in helping you to quit smoking. By joining a forum, you don’t feel as miserable as you would were you doing it alone. Get to know other people who are going through the same thing as you and see how others have dealt with the problem as well. They will also celebrate with you whenever you make some progress, this can be very motivating.

• Reward yourself: always reward yourself for any progress that you make. Make them good rewards that you will always look forward to.

• Delay: whenever you feel the urge to smoke, always try as much as possible to delay the smoke. Also do something that will distract your mind from the urge such as doing small exercises. Eating a snack or drinking water will also help in eliminating the urge to smoke.