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Things to Use to Quit Smoking
by Erika Schnitzer
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Overview
With anti-smoking commercials and advertisements for a variety of medications and other treatments to help smokers quit constantly running on TV and being seen on billboards, it might be difficult to determine what method is best for you. No matter what option you choose, quitting smoking is a step in the right direction not only for your heath but also for the health of those around you, the environment and your wallet.
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First Steps
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, a number of medications may be used to help smokers quit the habit. The first steps to quitting, however, should be to change your environment---don't let people smoke around you and rid your home of all ashtrays and cigarettes. Also, it is important to ask for support from friends, family members and co-workers. Once you have taken these steps, certain methods may help to quell the desire to smoke. These often include items that include nicotine.
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Nicotine Substitutes
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), nicotine substitutes can help smokers quit the habit when used in conjunction with additional support. Nicotine replacement products include gum, patches, nasal sprays and inhalers. The gum and patches can be purchased over-the-counter, while nasal sprays and inhalers are currently only available by prescription.
The purpose of replacement therapy is to lessen the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. According to the AHA, unlike cigarettes, however, these nicotine replacements do not contain carcinogens or other toxins. It is important not to smoke while using nicotine replacements---too much nicotine can result in an overdose---and it is equally as important to use the replacement regularly at first. Using the replacement for 8 to 12 weeks provides the smoker with the best chance of quitting, according to the AHA.
According to Smoking Cessation, nicotine gum provides small amounts of nicotine that is absorbed through the mouth, while with the patch, nicotine is absorbed directly through the skin. The patch is available in different strengths, but it is important to check with a medical professional before beginning treatment as it cannot be used in conjunction with certain medications.
Both the nicotine spray and inhaler are available by prescription only. With both products, nicotine is delivered directly into the bloodstream to reduce cravings, and the nicotine dose provided in both products is flexible for the individual using it.
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Pills
According to Smoking Cessation, prescription pills, such as those containing bupropion, do not contain nicotine; instead, they work by raising the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, just as nicotine does. These pills are designed to provide people with the same feelings as nicotine, without the addicting chemical.
