Home
| Health
| Addiction & Abuse
| Quit Smoking
| The Best Way to Quit Smoking
The Best Way to Quit Smoking
by Kyle Martin
-
Overview
It's hard to determine one "best way" to quit smoking, because each smoker's needs vary. Some prefer going cold turkey. Others have found that nicotine replacement, such as gum and patches, or a prescription mood-altering drug can reduce the severity of the cravings and help them quit.
-
Quitting Cold Turkey
Going cold turkey is one of the most common ways to quit smoking. Keep a few things in mind, though, when setting out to quit smoking without any aids. There is no "one more puff." That one puff can re-establish the chemical dependency at the old or greater levels, according to the website whyquit.com.
Discipline is the ultimate weapon in quitting cold turkey, but there are several resources that can strengthen your resolve. Study up on cigarettes and nicotine to get a idea of why the addiction is so strong. Get tips from other quitters. Your physical cravings will subside as the amount of nicotine in the bloodstream cuts itself by half every two hours. Generally, 72 hours is the threshold for most of the chemical to be out of the system, although the effects will be felt for another 10 days to two weeks. Subconscious triggers, such as stress and finishing a meal, will last for months, but gradually grow less intense.
-
Nicotine Replacement
For the seriously addicted and long-term smokers, nicotine replacement may be needed to ease the transition to nonsmoker. You must quit entirely, though, before moving on to these products. Smoking while using these products can result in a nicotine overdose.
Some of the most common nicotine substitutes are nicotine gum, patch, nasal spray and inhaler. The latter two are available by prescription only. The patch gives a relatively constant level of nicotine throughout the day. Many smokers start with the strongest dose and then graduate to smaller doses as the cravings fade. This does not eliminate urges but can alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as a irritability and difficulty concentrating. The gum releases small amounts of nicotine through the mouth to reduce urges. It should be used during the first three months when relapses are most likely. Prescription nasal spray delivers a low dose of nicotine that hits the system quickly, much like a cigarette. The inhaler also delivers this "quick fix" by delivering the nicotine through the mucous membranes, much like the gum.
-
Prescription Drugs
Prescription bupropion and nortriptyline anti-depressants, marketed under brand names including Wellbutrin, Aventyl and Allegron, can help a smoker wean himself off cigarettes. These drugs stimulate the brain to produce dopamine and norepinephrine, the same chemicals in nicotine that give smokers a sense of well-being. It takes about a week for the feeling to be fully established, so smokers should start the drugs before quitting.
