Smoking Cessation: Information That Can Help
It may be very challenging to quit smoking, but it is one of the best steps people can take to improve their health. Smoking is very harmful to almost every tissue and organ in the body and is also detrimental to others in the form of second-hand smoke. Quitting offers immediate health benefits that increase over time.
Quitting can be a real challenge, but plenty of people have done it, and evidence-based treatments are available to help, such as taking smoke cessation drugs. It is possible to get medications for smoking cessation today, which can help those who want to quit smoking to achieve success. Chantix, for instance, works by activating specific receptors in the brain that inhibit nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Why do people smoke?
People smoke for a variety of different reasons. Smoking is often associated with psychological factors like work stress or concerns about family or finances. It is also often associated with social activities, like drinking and eating. These psychological and social factors may cause an individual to take up smoking. Nicotine is very addictive, and individuals then develop a physical dependence on it.
People often smoke to feel more relaxed, but nicotine is a stimulant that raises their adrenaline level, blood pressure, and heart rate. The nicotine withdrawal is what makes quitting smoking difficult. This is when certain drugs can reduce the desire to smoke, and a prescription for smoking cessation may be necessary.
Nicotine withdrawal
Quitting smoking creates intense withdrawal symptoms. Some of these are depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, dizziness, sweating, tremors, headaches, nausea, disrupted sleep, and abdominal pains. These symptoms are intense for two to three days and then start to subside over the next three to four weeks. Smoking cessation medications can provide those who want to quit with the drugs to help them deal with the withdrawal symptoms. They can continue without relapsing because they have a way to deal with the severity of the symptoms.
Treatment for smoking cessation
Treatment for smoking cessation usually consists of counseling to change behavior and using drugs to help with nicotine withdrawal. Quitting is more likely to be successful when using a combination of counseling and drug therapy. This combination deals with the reasons why an individual smokes and the triggers but with the unpleasant symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal.
The National Cancer Institute has a website, smokefree.gov, that offers comprehensive information for quitting smoking. It even makes it possible for individuals to receive personalized behavioral counseling via live chat or text. There is also Stop Smoking programs people can join that increase their chances of quitting successfully.
Smokers need to find out what triggers a need to smoke, and they can do so by keeping a diary for a while before quitting. Making a plan to control trigger situations is one of the best ways to ensure success.
Behavior changes
Some of the following strategies are recommended for individuals who want to quit smoking.
- Select a quit date. Tell friends and family so they can offer support.
- Throw out all cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and avoid situations where people typically smoke.
- Recognize the cues that lead to smoke such as boredom, traffic problems, sexual activity, coffee breaks, and meals.
- Try substituting another behavior for smoking like sucking on hard candy or doodling.
- Engage in activities like deep breathing and learn some relaxation techniques. They can help deal with the physical effects of quitting.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis as both could temporarily lower a resolve to quit smoking.
Why having a quit date helps
Those who quit by trying to smoke fewer cigarettes over some time tend to unconsciously inhale deeper or smoke a cigarette right down to the filter and take in just as much nicotine as before. Research shows that people who make a clean break are more successful than those who try to quit by smoking less each day. When making a clean break, taking nicotine replacement products from the quit date helps a great deal, and it is possible to get a quit smoking prescription for refills.
Using medicine to help
Using a nicotine replacement product or another medication approved by the FDA to treat nicotine withdrawal can nearly double the chances of successfully quitting smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy is available in various products, including patches, lozenges, gums, nasal sprays, and inhalers. The gums, lozenges, and patches are available over-the-counter. Nicotine replacement products can cause some irritation in the throat and mouth as well as stomach discomfort. The nasal sprays and inhalers are only available with a prescription. It is possible to get a plan for smoking cessation after filling in a questionnaire reviewed by a doctor.
Online prescription for smoking cessation
All the nicotine replacement products provide nicotine to the brain but not directly hit like when smoking cigarettes. Therefore, people are not likely to become addicted to nicotine replacement products even though they contain nicotine.
Individuals who want to quit on a specific date can start using the nicotine replacement product on the quit date and continue to purchase the product online by consulting with a doctor.
Nicotine replacement products are usually taken for a lengthy period of time to prevent relapses, and to consult with a doctor to get smoking cessation medications, which can be very convenient when having to take it for so long. The doctor can help the individual determine which medication to use, explain how to use it, and talk about any possible side effects.
Buproprion and Varenicline
Other prescription smoking cessation medicines include bupropion hydrochloride or varenicline, which are usually taken for about eight to twelve weeks. Bupropion SR (Zyban) is a pill that does not contain any nicotine but helps with withdrawal symptoms and resisting the urge to smoke. Chantix (varenicline) pills will lessen the cravings for cigarettes and make smoking less enjoyable.
As it is necessary to take these pills for months, it is very convenient to get a quit smoking prescription and pick up the medication from a local pharmacy.
What happens after quitting?
After quitting, an individual's sense of smell and taste comes back, a smoker's cough disappears, and breathing becomes more comfortable. Over time the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and cancer decreases.
Relapses may happen
Most people who quit smoking for six months manage not to take it up again. However, people may relapse within the first three months. Even a single puff on a cigarette can cause relapse, so individuals shouldn't be overconfident. The urge to smoke usually passes over in about five minutes.
The leading causes of relapse are overconfidence, stress, and alcohol use in a social setting. Planning for these triggers can increase the chances of success. If a slip occurs, immediately identify the trigger that caused the slip and prepare how to handle the same situation in the future.
Manage stress in different ways: There are many ways to manage stress without using nicotine. For example, physical activity is an excellent way to release tension, overcome the urge to smoke, and relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It does not have to be strenuous to be helpful. It may not be safe for heavy smokers to exercise too intensely. It is usually best to start walking short distances quickly and gradually build up distance and speed.
Weight gain: With a restored sense of smell and taste, people may gain weight when they stop smoking. Being physically active, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding foods high in fat and sugar can help. Dieting to try and lose weight while trying to quit smoking can add stress and make it more difficult.
More tips
- Those who miss the physical sensation in their mouths can try carrot sticks, celery sticks, a straw, or a flavored toothpick.
- Chewing sugarless gum may help with cravings.
- Reward any successes by eating dinner out, going to a movie, or buying the desired item.
- Drink plenty of water.
Studies show that those who cannot quit on their first try are often stronger and better prepared for the next time they try.
A final word
Quitting smoking is not easy, and it is essential to find ways to change behavior and deal with the nicotine withdrawal. A combination of therapy to help make behavioral changes and drugs to help with withdrawal symptoms usually works best. A prescription for Chantix, such as counseling or joining a support group, can make all the difference between failure and success.
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