subject: Stop Smoking Programs And How They Help You Quit Smoking [print this page] Before deciding to quit smoking smokers should identify why they want to quit smoking. Once they have identified a reason to quit, this will help in keeping focused on their goal and embarking on a stop smoking program. Setting a date and a time period in which they want to quit smoking can also keep the quitter more focused. If a person tends to smoke more on weekends then a more productive time to start any stop smoking programs would be during the week, when the urge to smoke is less. The reverse would be true for smokers who smoke more on weekdays.
Smokers attempting to quit should also identify the obstacles to quitting smokers. For example, if your husband or wife smokes, this makes it harder to stop smoking. Potential quitters should also think ahead of time about how they are going to deal with the temptation of smoking. Finally, smokers should inform their friends and family that they're going to quit in order to obtain their support and cooperation.
Nicotine medication is a great alternate source to help a smoker quit smoking. It provides a small dose of nicotine in a smaller concentration than that of a cigarette. This can assist smokers in giving up smoking. The American Lung Association advises that smokers use nicotine meds to help them quit smoking. Smokers usually can only obtain this medication with a prescription from a doctor. Smokers also need to check out all of their options and choose between, for example, a patch or a gum.
Most people will experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms once they are on stop smoking programs. With these withdrawals, they may experience problems such as headaches, nicotine cravings, anxiety, and jitteriness. These experiences are normal and most stop smoking programs take this into account.
Nicotine medications like gum and patches could assist with problems of withdrawal. However, a smoker who is trying to quit smoking should never have even just one cigarette during the course of stop smoking programs. They should refrain from smoking completely and relying on friends and family as a support group is one way of ensuring that smoking is dropped altogether.
Many people who try to quit smoking make two or three attempts and if they are not successful tend to get discouraged. Though quitting smoking is not easy and may require more effort on your part, it doesn't necessarily mean that if you can't quit initially you can't quit at all. One needs to be dedicated and focused towards quitting smoking. Trying different stop smoking programs each time is a good idea. For example, if you tried quitting the first time using nicotine gum, then the second time you should try the patch. Being dedicated to quitting and having a real desire to quit is the most important factor, though.
If you plan on quitting smoking, recognize that the road ahead is not an easy path. However, a strong focus and one hundred percent determination and dedication along with a good stop smoking plan can help you reach your goal. Usually the stop smoking programs with the most success rates include nicotine; for example, in gum or patch form. While quitting may not be easy, if you stick to your plan you can and will succeed.