Saturday, February 7, 2015

Tips on how to quit smoking

It does not matter whether you are a teenager or an older person with a habit of smoking, quitting is always a tough thing to do. However, there are various methods which you can use to effectively quit smoking. Tobacco smoking is a very addictive habit that is tough to stop, that’s why many tobacco smokers continuously seek for various techniques on how to stop smoking. Cigarettes contain nicotine which can provide a temporary but addictive high. As a result, completely withdrawing the use of nicotine will cause your body to start experiencing cravings for the drug as well as withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine has a feel good effect on your brain, which then associates smoking with a way of dealing with stress, boredom or even depression. Smoking is also ingrained as a daily ritual and may be an automatic response for you to smoke. However, there are various methods which can be used to help you quit smoking.


Nicotine replacement therapy: this therapy consists of products such as gum, nasal sprays, nicotine patches and inhalers. These methods of quitting smoking give you doses of nicotine with the aim of helping to gradually stop the habit of smoking while you continuously use less and less nicotine. Using nicotine replacement therapy, it is possible for you to become addicted to a nicotine substitute. Therefore, you have to be very careful.
Stop smoking drugs: these are prescription medications that are designed to reduce the withdrawal and craving symptoms. Drugs such as Zyban and Chantix help to undo the part of your brain that had become rewired by the nicotine. However, this method is not guaranteed to make you quit smoking.
• Herbal products: these products offer a natural option to the nicotine replacement therapy and prescription drugs. Some herds are known to create a similar effect on the brain like nicotine, but non-addictive. Other herbs deal with symptoms such as quitter’s flu and irritability.
Cutting down gradually: you can reduce your nicotine intake. This is done by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day. You can also try delaying to smoke whenever you feel the need to smoke. However, your final quitting date should be no more than two weeks after your start.
Stop smoking plan: there are people who can quit smoking quite easily than others. Creating a solid stop smoking plan will have to include a quit date. The help of your friends and family is also encouraged considering the challenges that you will face after the set quit date. You should also get rid of all tobacco related items in your home, car and work place. You should also speak to a doctor about some treatments for nicotine addiction.
• Other ways: there are ways that can help you to quit smoking that do not involve nicotine replacement therapy or prescribed drugs. Such methods include behavioral therapy, nicotine vaccination and hypnosis.

The question on how to quit smoking is a challenge to every addicted smoker. However, finding the easiest method of achieving this has to be a personal choice because you may react differently as compared to somebody else.

Easy ways to stop smoking

After using cigars for a long time, many people find it quite difficult to stop smoking. This results from addiction and lack of strong will power to desist from taking another cigar. Majority of smokers will start the habit as fun only to realize its negative effects when they are already into it and are addicted. It is at this point that they start seeking ideal ways to keep off the habit. Due to the popular belief that it’s difficult to stop smoking many will shy away from working out the necessary models hence remaining victims of their own making.

It is the subconscious mind which reminds a smoker that a puff is required. The subconscious mind has a strong control of the body’s involuntary activities. This means therefore that upon making the decision to stop smoking you are required to reprogram your mind that you are no longer a smoker. This can be done by repeatedly shouting to the brain the message until such a time that it sticks. This will with time reduce the craving for smoking thus marking the first and essential step.

Avoid keeping cigarettes that can be smoked. Seeing the non smoked cigars will create the urge to go for one at times with the belief that it will be the last one. In their place you may consider having a packet with cigarette butts and a bottle of water. Upon feeling the urge to smoke, open the packet with the butts and take a big whiff. The disgusting smell will make you hate smoke even more and after that take a sip of water as a reliever.

Caffeine is one of the addictives contained in the cigarette. When trying to stop smoking the urge to try out other substances which contain caffeine is high. This is available in both coffee and sodas. The urge to take excessive amounts of these is quite high and since their absorption is much slower when compared to nicotine contained in cigars. Reducing the intake progressively will work a great way in reducing the craving. The intake of coffee should be limited to two cups a day on the higher side.

Cranberry juice is essential in cleaning the nicotine from the body system. Whereas the body may take up to 3 days to clean nicotine from the system, this juice will speed up the process. One of the challenges in quitting is the taste in the mouth which tells you that you need a cigarette. This can be addressed by cleaning the mouth regularly. Using white wine vinegar is also important as it leaves the mouth with a clean and fresh taste.

Taking up exercises is ideal way to rid you of stress associated with after effects. Taking water regularly is also ideal to keep the body hydrated and as well increase the body’s metabolic system. These steps are essential in rebuilding the body from the harmful effects of smoking. To stop smoking, all is required is will power and following the instructions which work well for you. There are many modalities which can be put into practice, but not all that work for everyone.

What is the best way to quit smoking?

There are several methods that can claim the title “the best way to quit smoking” among different people. However, there are a number of ways one can use to stop the addiction to nicotine. According to analysts, the best way to quit smoking is by the natural methods but it is not often used. Natural methods do not have side effects and therefore more beneficial to your health altogether, aside from helping to stop the nicotine addiction. Apart from natural methods, there are other methods which include nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medication which may be harmful to your health as well.

Best way to quit smoking using natural means:

• Lobelia: it is used to trick the nicotine receptors into thinking that they are still receiving nicotine. It is not addictive when used over a short period of time. It does not increase the blood pressure and heart rate the way nicotine does.
• Passion flower: this was used traditionally for relaxation. However, it is still useful in eliminating the nicotine withdrawal jitters.
• Peppermint: it has been in use for a long time now. It helps in promoting detoxification.
• Ginger root: it helps in soothing the stomach, hence relieves the upset that nicotine causes to the stomach.
• None-addictive nicotine substitute: nicotine withdrawal is the hardest thing an addict has to deal with. Non-addictive substitutes include herbs such as lobelia which react in the same way as nicotine but are not addictive. These herbs also help victims to deal with certain respiratory conditions that associated with quitting of nicotine use.
• Use herbs to relax your system: quitting brings about some intense emotional and physical stress and feelings which for some people are too much to deal with alone. It is for this reason that some quitters rely on herbs such as peppermint, skullcap and sarsaparilla to help them deal with the symptoms complete withdrawal from nicotine.
• Keep your immune system strong and healthy: quitting the nicotine habit completely, can have a negative impact on the immune system. It is for this reason that today’s quitting methods include ingredients that support the immune system so that they are less prone to contract viruses and other ailments. For example; herbs such as cayenne pepper and eleuthero root work very well in supporting the immune system during the quitting process. Other herbs help to increase the body’s resistance to respiratory inflammations, common cold, disease and infections.

The natural methods of stopping the use of nicotine do not contain nicotine like their counterparts. Completely withdrawing from nicotine has some intense emotional and physical side effects. This is why a number of stop smoking programs incorporate small amounts of nicotine. However, natural methods tend to rely on lobelia because it has the same effect to the brain as nicotine but is not addictive.

Natural ways of quitting has quite a number of benefits to the patient. Someone who is addicted to nicotine will experience complete wellness without the side effects that come along with other methods of quitting nicotine.

All about Stop Smoking Hypnosis

Currently, there is a lot of information about the use of hypnosis to help individuals overcome their addictions to nicotine. Much of this debate has been on whether hypnosis actually works in helping one overcome nicotine addiction. In view of this, it is important for one to have all the information about hypnosis, how safe and effective the method is and finally, whether stop smoking hypnosis is a safe and effective method that can help one overcome addiction to nicotine.

Hypnosis

In general, this refers to a mental state in which a person is in a trance but not unconscious at all. When in this state, one’s awareness is altered in such a manner that a person may appear to be asleep; but this is not the case; research has indicated that the brain of a person under hypnosis is still highly active. In medical practice, hypnosis is used to treat a variety of conditions such as extreme physical pain and serious addiction. It is this last use that forms the basis of stop smoking hypnosis as used to help individuals overcome nicotine addiction.

How it works?

There has been a lot of debate about how stop smoking hypnosis actually works. One important thing to note, though, is the fact that this therapy works in similar fashion as when hypnosis is used to treat other conditions in clinical practice. Hypnosis is used as a tool that helps an individual to get into a state of mind under which one is completely relaxed, able to concentrate and willing to accept suggestions that are given by a trained hypnotherapist.

There are several methods of carrying out the procedure; one common method entails a three – step approach that is administered on a person. In this method, an individual is taken through a stop smoking hypnosis procedure that focuses on three main themes: the poisonous effects of smoking to the body of the individual, the need of the individual to have a healthy and poisonous free body, and lastly, the necessity of the individual to respect and take good care of the body at all times.

Safety and effectiveness

The safety of using stop smoking hypnosis can almost be guaranteed. With the help of a professional, this method is sure to work without any serious safety concerns. What is important also is that after an individual has been successfully taken through the process, the person is taught self hypnosis procedures. This is a simple process that an individual can repeat when alone whenever the urge to smoke recurs. Also, it is important for one to note that the effectiveness of this method is dependent on individual differences. Not all individuals show a positive response to this method. Cases of persons who fail to respond to all attempts of using stop smoking hypnosis as a method of overcoming their addiction are common. Also, it is common practice for hypnosis to be used in conjunction with other therapies. This includes using nicotine replacement therapies and other methods. Lastly, the effectiveness of this method, just as is the case with all the others, can be assured when one actually makes the personal decision to overcome addiction to nicotine.

Why smoking cessation is important?

Smoking cessation is an ideal process which leads smokers to attain a healthy living and as well give secondary smokers a chance to enjoy a healthy environment. Smoking puts you in the risk of contracting chronic diseases which includes cancer and heart attracts. It also poses those to you close to you the same problems irrespective to the fact that they are not direct smokers. They are normally referred to as secondary smokers.

Health and communities around the globe are advocating for smoking cessation among people of all walks of life. This is after realization of the fact that smoking is one of the leaders of preventable deaths and chronic illnesses. Smoking affects almost each and every body part and hence is attributed to many diseases which include cancer. It’s the perception of many that smoking results only in lung cancer. However, the truth is that smoking will lead to the cancer of the mouth, abdomen, colon, bladder and pancreas among others. It is also known to be the major cause of lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. The two cause difficulties in breathing and results to chronic illnesses and disability.

Cessation smoking can be done by oneself or through assistance by medical practitioners and community workers. Using a method commonly referred to as ‘cold turkey’, you may decide to stop and stick to that forthwith. This method is not overly effective with only 4 – 7% of those who try the process managing to successfully quit the habit. Clinical methods normally involve adequate counseling and use of assisted methods to help the addict quit. This involves use of supplements as well as alternative substances and a reduction in the intake mode until such a time when the patient has fully recovered from addiction.

The benefits that accrue from smoking cessation are many and ideal for attaining overall healthy standards. They are broken down in respect to time starting from the first day when smoking is stopped. Within 24 hours after cessation all nicotine is out of your system and carbon monoxide will have reduced significantly within the bloodstream allowing for much oxygen. After 5 – 7 days most of the nicotine by-products will have cleared from the body and a great improvement made to the senses of smell and taste. After one year the risk of dying from heart disease caused by smoking will have reduced by half.  Ten years later the risk of contracting lung cancer is reduced by half provided the disease was not developed by the time of cessation. After fifteen years the risk of dying from heart attack and stroke will be at per as that of a person who has never smoked.

Making decision today for smoking cessation will have great health advantage to you and to those around you. Other than health, financial benefit is also prevalent. Smoking is done on daily and regular basis and the overall cost of buying cigars is excessively high. Diseases and other health implications that result from smoking are also expensive to treat. Once smoking has stopped all these costs will be eliminated hence saving substantially.

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:


• 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.

Tips on how to quit smoking

Smoking is a dangerous affair which carries a whole lot of health complications. Basically, majority of the smokers adopt the habit from their young age and before they realize it, they are already addicts. It is at this juncture that they start looking for ways and methods of how to quit smoking. This is after they realize of the dangers that lie ahead and at times when they start experiencing some complications related to smoking.

The human brain is a very powerful tool in controlling the body operations and desires. It is in this respect that when smokers make considerations on the best options on how to stop smoking they are required to set their minds on achieving this goal. It is the subconscious mind that keeps reminding the smoker that they require to take a puff. Reprogramming the subconscious to hate smoking is the first step on the road to stopping the habit. This will keep reminding the ex-smoker that “I am not a smoker and I hate smoking, I love this new and healthy lifestyle”. This repeated over and over even loudly to convince the subconscious and reprogram it from craving for the cigar.

After this has been done it may be importance to seek medical assistance. A visit medical center will help open up to a practitioner who will advise on the best options on how to quit smoking. Medical centers also offer platforms where ex-smokers meet and share out their experiences. This works in a great way in encouraging the new ex-smoker to stick to this new lifestyle. A visit to the medical facility will also give exposure to the pains and suffering that are associated with smoking. This may be through interaction with those already in the facility and who are undergoing treatment for smoking implications. Information is also availed by the medical practitioner through training and counseling sessions.

Smoking is addictive and more so due to its caffeine composition. Upon quitting the smoking habit, craving for caffeine will continue. Caffeine is available in other elements which includes coffee and sodas. The temptation for taking these substances for those working out ways of how to quit smoking may be high. This is for the reason that absorption of caffeine from coffee or soda is not absorbed quickly as when smoking. However, it is important to desist the craving and take an average of one to two cups of coffee in a day. This will with time reduce the craving and thereby reduce the chances or rebounding back to the smoking habits.

When considering how to stop smoking it is ideal to consider the health benefits that accrue from the process. However, it may not be an easy process more so for long time smokers. In this regard,  a number of alternatives are available which include the e-cigars, herbs and other medical supplements to reduce the craving for the cigarettes.  This information on the best practices while seeking how to stop smoking is available online on the platform. On this site, smokers who wish to quit also receive information from qualified practitioners as well as advice from ex-smokers which will work a great way in improving on their conquest.