Practical and Effective Ways to Quit Smoking for Good
The most powerful methods to help you quit smoking are now available in simple-to-understand and practical ways. Here, you will uncover some of the proven methods that can help you quit smoking to improve your health. Incorporate the following right away and experience the difference.
Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
If you can quit smoking all at once without the use of NRTs, go for it. However, only a negligible percentage of these attempts are successful. Nicotine dependence can easily be underestimated. Hence, NRTs can reduce the cravings and the symptoms of withdrawals effectively.
NRT is capable of wearing off your need for cigarettes through a controlled supply of nicotine in a harmless way. Using NRTs also saves you from exposure to other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. NRTs can be in the form of:
- Skin patches
- Lozenges
- Nasal sprays
- Chewing gums
- Inhalers
While choosing NRTs, discuss the dosage with a healthcare professional. You may experience dizziness, nausea, and irregular heartbeats. The aim here is not to quit smoking but quit the dependency of nicotine altogether. This also includes ending your dependency on NRTs over some time.
Try non-nicotine medication
Using bupropion and varenicline are effective ways to quit smoking for good. They are nicotine-free, but you have to consult your healthcare provider before using them. Using these drugs need a prescription.
Bupropion works on chemicals in the brain that encourages nicotine cravings and nullifies these chemicals and withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline, on the other hand, interferes with nicotine receptors in the brain to cut off the pleasure derived from smoking. The medicine also attacks withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider will decide the usage to reduce and avoid the risk of relapse.
Certain behavioral changes like mood swings, aggression, hostility, and suicidal thoughts are associated with the usage of these medicines.
Seek behavioral support
While you are emotionally and physically dependent on smoking, quitting the habit can be a real challenge. Quitting nicotine dependency on the quit day is quite a task, but you have to tackle this phase. It can be one of the most effective ways to quit smoking if you develop the determination to quit. You can opt for counseling services and seek supportive help through this phase. Eventually, you will see an improvement in your body. Finally, your dependence on nicotine will reduce to a great extent.
It’s advisable to combine NRTs with behavioral support since the combination increases the chances of quitting smoking by a significant margin. Seek advice therapy or group therapy or even individual counseling in person. Individual counseling is considered the most effective behavioral therapy. Alternatively, you can seek the help of support groups like Nicotine Anonymous.
Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies are also some effective ways to quit smoking for good. These include:
- Filters and smoking deterrents
- Nicotine drinks, candies, and lip balms
- Acupuncture
- Magnetic therapy and cold laser therapy
- Herbs
- Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness