subject: Quit Smoking: Helping You Kick the Deadly Habit [print this page] Author: Prashant Author: Prashant
When a friend of mine shifted to some other country, within a month he proclaimed, "Cigarettes are just too costly here! I'm quitting smoking". I thought, "Like he's gonna last, he's used to a pack a day!" But, to my surprise! It's been almost 3 years now and he hasn't even touched a cigarette and he says he doesn't miss it or feel any cravings.
Now, not each one is that lucky. Around 80% of people who stop smoking start again within a few months. Sounds miserable, but many of these people feel at peace that they were able to quit, be it only for a few months and will try again soon. Most smokers will need up to four tries before they can kick the deadly habit.
Some physicians or people who consider themselves experts on smoking will disagree that external aids are not necessary to quit smoking. These experts, who sometimes believe that they know it all because they used to smoke themselves, forget that every person is different. Some people can quit purely on a strong will power, but numerous others need some support, be it psychological or physical, that nicotine replacement therapy offers.
What nicotine replacements really do is that they supply the body with nicotine without consuming the poisonous chemicals contained in cigarettes. Therefore, the person doesn't have to deal with the physical withdrawal symptoms that may occur in the quitting process. Let's not forget that nicotine is a drug, it's in fact one of the most addictive ones. It will get you on the hook really quick. Therefore, when the body gets rid of the toxins build up from smoking, you will experience withdrawal symptoms as with any other drug, though the symptoms themselves will differ.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are headaches, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion and sore throats. These will last for a few days to a week, but if they bother you a lot, it is advised take over the counter medication for them.
If you search online, you will find an almost infinite number of products that claim to help you quit smoking. The most widely used aids are still nicotine gum, such as Nicorette and patches. The gums supply your body with nicotine to help control the cravings. As days go by, you lower the dose of nicotine until your body is gradually weaned off nicotine. 12 weeks is the estimated time for this to take place.
With the patch, it's about the same process. The membrane that is next to your skin releases nicotine into your system. As with Nicorette, you start with a stronger dose and gradually cut down. It takes about the same time as Nicorette.
I should mention that you have an even greater chance at success if you use the aid with some sort of support system. For some it's enough to be reading self-help books on smoking, but others need support groups. With advanced technology, you can find many of these online too.
If you're not blessed with a strong will power and determination, but would like to kick the habit, don't be afraid to go with Nicorette. After all, what have you got to lose?About the Author:
Prashant writes on numerous health related issues. Prashant writes for a leading pharmacy online in the UK that offers numerous products like Nicorette Gums, Nasal Sprays, Inhalators, etc. that help you quit smoking effectively and efficiently.
