Is There an Easy Way to Stop Smoking?

It is easy to start smoking but is there an easy way to stop smoking? The simple answer is "no."

That's because tobacco contains nicotine which is an addictive substance. Nicotine has a powerful effect on the brain, which becomes accustomed to the stimulation provided by cigarettes and nicotine. When you try to quit smoking, the brain is deprived of this stimulation, and sends out strong signals of cravings.

So there is no easy way to stop smoking because smokers are physically addicted to nicotine, and overcoming this addiction is difficult.

However, there are many ways to quit smoking, and some people may find that certain approaches are easier than others.

Many people report that one of the easiest ways to quit smoking is with the quit smoking pill - Wellbutrin. This is an antidepressant with the side effect of reducing the desire to smoke. Wellbutrin therapy last for 10 weeks, and helps to overcome the physical addiction to nicotine. However, after the therapy has ended, patients may still feel the desire to smoke in certain situations which they associate with cigarettes.

Nicotine Substitutes

One of the other popular ways to quit smoking is with a nicotine substitute such as nicotine patches or nicotine gum. These help to wean the body from its nicotine dependence, by providing decreasing doses of nicotine over a period of time while refraining from cigarettes.

Some people think that the easy way to quit smoking is to just stop. Cold turkey (as this approach is called) may be suitable for short-term smokers, but most people who have been smoking for several years find it the most difficult way to quit smoking.

However, cold turkey is an admirable demonstration of a strong will, and can be appropriate for those who are determined to quit smoking no matter what.

If you decide to go this route, you may wish to make several changes to your lifestyle to help reinforce your decision to quit smoking. You may wish to change your eating habits and begin an exercise routine at the same time.

Of all the ways to quit smoking, cold turkey requires the most dedication. It would be a good idea to take time off work for a couple of weeks. Perhaps you could even go to a smoke-free resort in order to have a complete break from your regular routine.

Some of the effects of nicotine withdrawal include irritability and fatigue, and this is part of the reason why it's a good idea to take time off from your regular routine. Your work performance will definitely suffer while you are trying to quit smoking.

Other physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include a dry mouth and throat, cough, and post nasal drip. To overcome these symptoms, drink plenty of liquids, but try to keep caffeine to a minimum. Nicotine withdrawal can also cause insomnia, and caffeine will make that worse.