Ways to quit smoking

If you're one of the millions looking for effective methods to quit smoking,
then you've certainly come to the right place. Nicotine addiction affects
millions of people around the globe, and each year thousands look for
new methods to quit smoking. With that in mind, we've brought you a
list of the most popular different methods to quit smoking that you can
use to once and for all break free from the hold that cigarettes have over
you and your health.

Before we get started, how about a little extra incentive?
Here's the cold, harsh truth about what's inside your cigarettes.
Everyone knows about the nicotine and the tar, but what about the other
chemicals contained in each and every cigarette? Well, believe it or not,
that last cigarette you enjoyed so much came with an extra dose of
carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, cyanide, arsenic and DDT.
If that doesn't scare the pants off you, nothing will.

So let's find a quit smoking program to get you off those coffin sticks.

A nicotine patch is specifically designed to help reduce your craving for
nicotine. The way it does this is by delivering a steady dose of nicotine
throughout your day. The patch works by delivering a regulated dose of
nicotine into your bloodstream through the skin.

This steady introduction of nicotine helps to maintain your nicotine level throughout
the day. While this level is generally lower than if you were still smoking,
it's enough to eliminate withdrawal symptoms, especially the cravings.


The initial patch program goes on for about six weeks. This is the most
difficult period and when the dosage will be highest. After this period,
the patch prescribed will be of a lower dosage for two weeks and then a
still lower dosage for the last two weeks. At this point, you should be
smoke free.

Most nicotine patches are not available over the counter. They must be
prescribed by a physician. Since the average cigarette contains only one
milligram of nicotine, the prescription will be based upon the number of
cigarettes you normally smoke in a day. As in all nicotine replacement
treatment programs, it's vital to let your doctor know of any medical
conditions you may have.

There is one brand that can be bought over the counter. It's a fifteen
milligram dose and is worn only during the day. Before you go to bed at
night, you remove the patch and toss it out. In the morning, you start
the day with a fresh one.

There can be some side effects when using a nicotine patch to quit
smoking. These can include a rash or skin irritation such as itching or
burning around the patch itself. On occasion, a patch can cause nausea
or dizziness. In addition, you'll want to refrain from smoking when using
the patch. Otherwise, you risk the potential for a nicotine overdose.
You can wear a nicotine patch on your arms, back, or any other place
that's hairless and clean and provides a good surface.

A nicotine inhaler is a cigarette-like device consisting of a cartridge
containing nicotine with menthol. When you inhale, the nicotine is
absorbed through the lining of your mouth and upper esophagus. The
nicotine dose is about 1/10th of a puff of a cigarette.

This quit smoking option is generally reserved for heavy smokers. In
fact, for the very best results, you'll want to use the inhaler for twenty
minutes or more. To relieve most withdrawal symptoms and for the best chance at success, six to sixteen cartridges may be consumed throughout the day.

Nicotine inhalers, as well as nicotine sprays, work faster than gums. In
addition, because they resemble a cigarette, they can be used in most
situations. In other words, they're handy.

On the downside, you might experience side effects such as a burning
sensation in the nasal tissues or throat, a stomach ache, or nausea. The
inhalers are more expensive than gums (prices can range from $40 to
$55 per package). Though convenient, in some cases inhalers are so
close to the real smoking experience that they continue to promote the
rituals and routines of smoking.

Nicotine inhalers are only available by prescription. They come packaged
in a plastic storage case, 42 cartridges altogether. Each cartridge
provides up to 300 to 400 puffs. Just as with a patch, the dose is
gradually reduced over a period of time until your cravings are
dramatically reduced or no longer exist. It's recommended that you do
not continue to use inhalers beyond six months.

The use of nicotine inhalers require caution for a number of health
conditions, including bronchospastic disease, coronary heart disease,
cardiac arrhythmias, insulin-dependent diabetes, or accelerated
hypertension.

Nicotine gum is another nicotine replacement choice. It's similar in
appearance and texture to a regular gum, and usually fruit, mint, or
fresh mint flavored. The difference, of course, is the nicotine. Any time
you experience a craving, pop in a "stick" of gum, and nicotine is released
into your body, killing the craving.

This is generally one of the less expensive quit smoking products.
Nicotine gums are available without a prescription. However, it's always
a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting on a nicotine
product. While a gum containing nicotine is generally harmless, it may
not be suitable for certain medical conditions – diabetes, dental disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, etc. It's also not recommended for
women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant as well as for breastfeeding
mothers.

For best results, nicotine gum should be chewed slowly, waiting until a
peppery feeling occurs and then stopping. The gum is then tucked into
the cheek. When the tingle is no longer noticeable, repeat the process for
at least thirty minutes to be certain all the nicotine has been released
into the body.

During the first four weeks of the program, the average smoker uses
between ten and twelve pieces daily. Daily use should not exceed two
dozen pieces. As with the nicotine inhalers, a nicotine gum should not
be used for an extended period of time, certainly not beyond six months.
Nor should it be used if you're smoking, since the potential for nicotine
poisoning arises.

There are two sizes of nicotine gum. One has two milligrams of nicotine
while the other has four milligrams. The larger dose is potentially
addictive, so unless your health care provider suggests using it, which
would be for very heavy smokers only, it's best to use the lighter dose.
There are side effects, though they're uncommon. You may feel dizzy or
weak while chewing nicotine gum. Some people experience headaches or
stomach aches. You may experience damage to your teeth or dental
work.

Hypnosis has proven to be a highly successful approach for those
wishing to stop smoking. In fact, depending on whether or not it's used
in conjunction with another approach, hypnosis has a sixty-six to eighty
percent success rate.

Why is hypnosis so successful?
Well, the primary reason is because smoking is not only a physical
addiction, it's also a psychological addiction. When you're able to control
your physical cravings at the same time that you're releasing your
psychological dependencies, you've got a powerful, often successful
combination.

Traditional/electronic... quit and don't smoke any