- There are Many Ways to Quit Smoking - CrazyD
Many ways to quit smoking are available, but the correct way for each smoker lies with personal preference of each individual. These methods include the nicotine patch, gum, lozenges, cold turkey and the Chantix pill. All methods are considered safe for all smokers by medical professionals, assuming no other health problems or risk factors are present.
The Nicotine Patch
The nicotine patch is used to quit smoking by providing a constant stream of nicotine into an individual's bloodstream through a skin-mounted patch. The patch stays on the skin for 16 to 24 hours and is replaced after this time. The nicotine patch should be worn on clean, dry skin on the arm, stomach, or side on the upper part of the body. Most brands of nicotine patches come in different strengths so that the smoker can wean himself or herself off of nicotine dependance slowly. The patch is relatively easy to apply and use. It is meant for nicotine replacement therapy, a popular method of quitting smoking.
Some studies have suggested that using the nicotine patch is no more effective at quitting smoking than going cold turkey. Side effects of the patch can be similar to those quitting smoking without assistance. Other side effects, such as vomiting or headache, can be due to too much nicotine entering the system. In some countries, the nicotine patch is actually more expensive than buying cigarettes, though in the United States, depending upon local cigarette tax, the patch can be cheaper than smoking.
Nicotine Lozenges or Gum
Nicotine lozenges and gum are quite similar as ways to quit smoking. The lozenge is placed inside the mouth and sucked on for about 20 minutes so that the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Nicotine gum is used similarly, but instead of sucking, the gum is chewed for approximately 30 minutes with breaks in between, just as when using the lozenge. For both types of nicotine replacement therapy, the recommended dosage to begin the regimen depends upon the habits of each individual smoker. The lozenge or gum should be used for twelve weeks, with dosage lessening as time passes. Nicotine lozenges and gum are available in many different flavors.
Side effects of the nicotine lozenge or gum include headache and vomiting. More severe side effects or allergic reaction include fainting, dizziness, and trouble breathing. Prolonged use of these products can cause gum disease. Nicotine gum and lozenges can be addictive because of their nicotine content. The cost of these products is about the same as the cost of smoking cigarettes, however, after using these types of products it is assumed that buying cigarettes will no longer apply.
Cold Turkey
Quitting smoking cold turkey involves no cost. It is by far the cheapest way to quit. Cold turkey means to stop altogether without any other aid. The benefits of quitting using the cold turkey method include the elimination of the chance of becoming to nicotine replacement therapies, which contain nicotine. Keeping busy and avoiding things which conjure up reminders of smoking are the best methods for quitting cold turkey.
Quitting smoking using the cold turkey method has been said to be the most difficult way to quit. This method involves a lot of will power and can cause many changes in routine which do not necessarily involve smoking. For example, someone trying to quit cold turkey would have to avoid smoke breaks with co-workers indefinitely. The craving for nicotine can become quite strong and manifest itself in physical ways, such as sweating or quickness of breath.
The Chantix Pill
Chantix is the newest method used to quit smoking. A pill is taken twice per day at the beginning of the regimen, then once per day for the remainder of the quitting phase. While the other methods mentioned above do not typically require a prescription, Chantix does require a doctor's prescription to obtain. Chantix works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain reducing the pleasurable effects of nicotine in the brain. It also reduces cravings for nicotine. Chantix has been shown to be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in permanently quitting smoking.
Common side effects of Chantix include nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping and nightmares. More serious side effects include depression and suicide. Many who have tried Chantix have decided to quit taking it because of vivid nightmares. Some avoid it completely because of the possibility of the very serious side effects. Because of these side effects, the FDA has given Chantix the Black Box warning.
Whether a heavy or light smoker, it makes sense for financial, emotional, and physical health to quit smoking. However one chooses to do so depends upon the individual. When quitting smoking, it is important to remember that support for quitting by those close to the smoker is one of the best indicators of success.
Resources:
FamilyDoctor.org, *"Nicotine Patch" (accessed May 26, 2010)
HelpWithSmoking.com, *"Nicotine Lozenge" (accessed May 26, 2010)
Elizabeth Rose - Elizabeth Rose has been publishing online content since October 2008 and has written for various websites, including eHow.com, ...
