subject: The Most Effective Way to Quit Smoking [print this page] The most effective way to quit smoking; solutions to help you quit your smoking habits and what you can do when nothing else helps
You are reading this article because you have realized two things:
1. You have to stop smoking now. It has a damaging effect to your relationships, your fnances or your health.
2. You want help. Smoking is a powerful addiction. Studies show that quitting smoking "cold turkey" is more difficult than quitting any other drug or addictive substance That is why the habit is being picked up by 85% of the ones trying.
Quitting smoking is prevented for many people because of the intense nicotine cravings. Intelligent people who know the risks of smoking, even medical doctors and health care professionals have tried to quit on numerous occasions without success. Experiencing nicotine cravings by the body is part of that. The deprivation of that gives a strong reaction of this nicotine denial. Giving up smoking is shown by scientific studies to be harder than getting rid of heroine. Getting back to the cigarettes is done by many people during the initial withdrawal period. They simply cannot take the anxiety and other symptoms that go along with getting off of nicotine. It's simply an extremely addictive drug. The side effects go from mild depressions, anxiety, weight gain, and can vary from person to person.
The Electronic Cigarette is the most effective way to quit smoking, today on the market. We will examine this method, but first we look at some other ways and their pros and cons.
THE PATCH
PROS: It is convenient and provides a steady, controlled dose of nicotine through the skin, thereby reducing the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
CONS: Users find that the patch can disrupt sleep and cause nightmares. Side Effects: Itching burning, swelling, rashes on the skin. Headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarea. When used with different nicotine products there is a risk of nicotine overdose. The implications are very serious. Vomiting, drooling, hearing problems, blurred vision, fainting, cold sweats and confusions are included. If you have a strong habit of smoking and love the ritual of "going for a smoke", the patch does not provide the sensation of the smoking itself and not help for that part.
NICOTINE INHALER
PROS: The inhaler doesn't produce second hand smoke and gives the user the nicotine they crave.
CONS: this product is relatively expensive as each dose uses up a whole cartridge. Side Effects: possible change in taste, sinus pains, neck aches, irritation of the throut and mouth as well as jaw and back pains.
NICOTINE GUM
PROS and CONS are very similar to those for the inhaler. The gum does not harm other people and the user is given convenience. CONS: Gum can be expensive, however, leaves an offensive odour and aftertaste in your mouth, and does not deliver the "feeling" of smoking.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS/INJECTIONS
PROS: This is a strong method that will, if you will try to smoke a cigarette, makes you ill physically.
CONS: Serious side effects can occur. If you are using other medications it is usually not possible to combine these with drugs. The seriousness of drugs like these should not be overlooked and can be much more serious than regular over the counter quit smoking aids. So not only milder effects such as listed can occur, but also emotional and mental changes that are much more serious. Chantix users have experienced psychotic thoughts, paranoia, or suicidal thinking. Zyban users describe ringing in the ears, partial deafness, hand that shake, weight gain, lethargy, lack of motivation and detachment from life.
HYPNOSIS:
PROS: It can be very benificial to have a hypnotist (or you can also use self-hypnosis) to imagine yourself being a non-smoker and having your subconscious mind accepting this as reality. The physical side effects are non-existing.
CONS: Not for everyone will hypnosis work. It only works for those who don't resist the process, aren't anxious, or who aren't overly critical about it. This applies to a low percentage of people who need to quit smoking.
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
An atomizer, producing an enhanced-smoke-like vapour looks and feels like smoking with non of the toxicity nor tobacco smoke is the most effective way to quit smoking.
PROS: The newest and most realistic nicotine replacement device. This delivers the smooth vapour and feel of a traditional smoke, won't do any harm to other people and gives an adjustable dose of nicotine. None of the harmful carcinogens and additives that are related to traditional cigarettes but only the nicotine the user craves. The experience to the real thing is remarkable and it comes in a variety of flavours and shapes. There are none of the harmful side effects found with more aggressive quit smoking aids.
CONS: Not all countries are open to Electronic Cigarettes yet and it is sometimes difficult to obtain. Potential loss of profits is what make tobacco companies lobby against them. Same can be said for governments as the taxes they get from regular tobacco products can not be taken from the e-cig and therefor they sometimes restrict the sales. There is an initial investment for the electronic cigarette kit, although it is far cheaper than buying regular cigarettes.
