Most smokers recognize the dangers of smoking these days. Authorities around the world, certainly in the developing countries, are making it harder for smokers to indulge their habit. But stopping isn't easy, so let's look at the main ways to stop smoking.
Of course, once they make the decision to let go of the habit - or become a non-smoker - smokers find it hard to let go of this habit. The reasons for this, broadly, is that the act of smoking has become an entrenched habit and it is linked very closely with the addiction which body has adopted to the chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Unfortunately, as smokers over the years have discovered, stopping smoking isn't like flicking the 'off' switch. When you've decided, what are the main ways to help you stop?
- Cold Turkey.
We should call this willpower - because that is really what it is. You, as a smoker, decide that you are going to quit - maybe you set a date, such as the first of the month, or an event, maybe your birthday, maybe tomorrow - and then, you commit to working against the habit which has been formed, and against the chemical dependence which has developed and you 'overcome' the desire to smoke. The will to succeed, plus persistence and determination, will lead to success. Unfortunately not every one has the willpower required.
- Nicotine Replacement.
Because nicotine is a chemical, which, in this case, is produced as a result of the burning of tobacco in cigarettes, and nicotine is a chemical on which the body can develop dependence, the body's need for this chemical often will be so strong that the individual's willpower is simply not strong enough to counter the effects which the chemicals are having on the physiology. Hence, the development of nicotine replacement. There are various ways in which the nicotine replacement approach is taken:
- Nicotine patches.
- Nicotine Gum or lozenges.
- Nicotine inhalers.
Nicotine replacement, however, is just that. The approach is designed to have people reduce the dependence on cigarettes for the nicotine needs which may have developed as a result of smoking.
This approach does not address the behavioral habit or any underlying issues which may be associated with the need that the person feels to smoke.
- Prescription Medication.
You may seek the advice of your physician or general practitioner to see what prescription medication is available. And in recent years there have been some improvements in this area although in my experience, many doctors are reluctant to go down the medication route.
But let's look at two drugs in this area. Pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline, markets the first of these, Zyban. This drug works by reducing the withdrawal effects of smoking. This is a gradual process, with smokers taking the medication and reducing over time the number of cigarettes until the desire to smoke is no longer there.
Another is Chantix (or in some areas, marketed as Champix), produced by Pfizer. Like Zyban, it does not contain nicotine. With all medication, there is a reason why it requires the advice of your doctor - there may be side effects with any of these medications so it is important that you explore these fully with your doctor before beginning on your course of treatment.
It's advisable to get your doctor's advice on this.
- Natural Supplements.
A number of natural therapies have been developed in recent years - and many claim to have achieved great results. Whilst I can't claim to have reviewed any of the products on the market, there are strong claims about the effectiveness of some of the products available.
Zero Nicotine are patches which contain a herbal preparation and it's designed to eliminate the nicotine addiction. The process, claim the makers of this product, when taken in conjunction with their support program takes around 30 days.
Another herbal preparation is Smoke Deter which the makers say is an 'All-natural, homeopathic, sub-lingual spray.'
In considering the herbal approach, it is advisable to check with others who have tried the products.
- Hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy is recognized as one of the more effective ways to stops smoking. Unlike prescription medication or nicotine replacement or herbal therapy, hypnotherapy does not involve taking any substance into the body. Often people are skeptical about hypnosis but the fact is, it's a natural process and for therapeutic purposes has been used for thousands of years. Yes, even the ancient Egyptians used a similar process - though, it's likely they didn't have the need to use it to stop smoking.
Increasingly over recent years, hypnotherapy is being recognized as a powerful and effectiveness therapy in so many areas - and particularly for helping people to stop smoking. How does it work? Well, different practitioners may well have slightly different approaches, but the effective approaches will deal with the reasons why you smoke, release the subconscious attachment to the habit, and deal with the body's addiction to the chemicals, such as nicotine, to which the body may have developed dependence. Two to four sessions are required usually and people who try hypnotherapy find it a very pleasant experience. In my experience, many people leave the first session as non-smoker'.
It's important when seeking out a hypnotherapist, as in looking for any health practitioner, that you choose one who has the appropriate professional - and that means 'recognized' - qualifications and has experience in the area you are seeking his or her help for.
If you're a smoker, whichever process you choose to follow, the decision to stop smoking may well be one of the more important decisions you make in your life, for your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment