Ways to Stop Smoking

There are many ways to stop smoking. None of them will succeed if you don't have a true desire to quit the habit.

If you are sufficiently motivated, any method will work, but you may find some to be easier than others. No matter which way you choose to quit smoking, be aware that the desire to smoke comes in waves. Dealing with each wave in succession is the key to stop smoking.

Enlist family and friends to give you moral support in your quest to stop smoking. Each time you feel the urge to light up, talk to one of these people. This has two benefits - it gives you something else to do besides have a smoke, and you get moral encouragement to continue your battle against tobacco.

How to Stop Smoking

Cold Turkey

This requires strong willpower and a determination to stop smoking. Cold Turkey means that you just stop smoking. You go from your regular smoking habit to zero smoking without any intermediate steps.

This is easier for some people than for others. Studies have shown that there are some people who metabolize nicotine relatively slowly and these people are more likely to stop smoking by quitting cold turkey. The slow metabolic rate decreases the physical dependency on nicotine, so smokers who metabolize nicotine at a faster rate may need a nicotine substitute like nicotine patches or gum.

Gradual Reduction

Some people have better luck by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke each day. This requires a schedule to reduce the number of cigarettes each day.

There are many ways to approach this method to stop smoking. You could smoke one less cigarette each day or two; you could wait a longer period of time before the first cigarette of the day; or you could limit the number of cigarettes within a certain time period, e.g. 2 cigarettes every 3 hours.

Whichever way you choose, make a schedule so that you a date set for being cigarette free. Be realistic - taking two months to stop smoking is more likely to succeed than two weeks.

Nicotine Substitutes

Both of the above methods can be supplemented by using a nicotine substitute. These come in the form of gum, sprays or patches and they help to reduce the physical craving for nicotine.

Nicotine is an addictive substance that stimulates the brain. When we stop smoking we don't receive accustomed levels of nicotine and we may feel irritable and fatigued. There are other physical symptoms such as insomnia and constipation that are associated with nicotine withdrawal.

A nicotine substitute can help by gradually weaning the body of its nicotine addiction while at the same time making it easier to stop smoking.

There are health risks associated with nicotine substitutes, so consult with your doctor before using any of these products to stop smoking.

Wellbutrin

A relatively new treatment for nicotine addiction is Wellbutrin. This is an antidepressant drug that can reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and therefore make it easier to stop smoking. It is only available by prescription.

Hypnosis

Some people find that hypnosis is an effective aid to stop smoking. It is useful for overcoming nicotine cravings but is not a magic cure. Best results are seen in those with a strong commitment to stop smoking.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is also useful for controlling nicotine cravings, but seems to be in the same league as hypnosis in that best results are seen in those with a strong desire to stop smoking. It is possible that both hypnosis and acupuncture are effective simply because they reinforce the decision to stop smoking.