Success Tips for Quitting Smoking

There are some tried and true tips that have been found helpful to pass around. The first week or two of quitting is intense, and will put you through the ringer. You will need to be well prepared. Here are some tips to help you ease some of the difficulties you will be facing.





Managing the Nicotine withdrawals:

Make no mistake about it cigarette-smoking leads to nicotine addiction. When you quit smoking, you will experience nicotine withdrawal. The cravings will be intense and you will need to have extreme will power to overcome them and not give in to having a cigarette. There are a few tips that other quitters before you have used and been successful at:

• Using nicotine patches
• Using nicotine inhalers
• Having gum, hard candy, toothpicks on hand

Educate yourself about what to expect before your start date, so that you can be well prepared with distractions.

Gather a support group made up of family, friends and co-workers who can be positive and uplifting of you during your first few days, especially.

If you are not already in a exercise program, ask the advice of your healthcare professional. Physically exerting yourself is one way to keep your mind off the cigarettes.

Remember that, the cigarette is not your friend and will trip you up if it can. Stay clear of all things that remind you of them. Ask for help when dealing with cravings.

There are many educational programs set up to assist you in becoming aware of what nicotine can do to your body. Addressing the issues can help to bring home many of the ideas discussed in the educational programs.

Keep a file of pictures depicting all the things that tobacco does to our aging bodies. Re-examine those pictures each time you feel that the cravings are getting the better of you. Health magazines are good sources of articles and illustrations of the consequences of smoking.

There is no need to go it alone. Enlist the support of family members, friends and even co-workers to assist you in staying strong when cravings start to get the better of you. There are other support groups set up by community or medical organizations. there are quite a few Websites devoted to supporting those who are going through nicotine withdrawal. There are even forums where persons can gather from all over the world to discuss their battles with smoking.

Seeking advice from others who have been there and have survived will be of great help because they can share what worked for them and help you to stay strong.

It takes time to undo years of conditioning. Give yourself a break. Listen to your body and watch for signals that you may be weakening. Don't be afraid to admit to weakness. Only when you admit your weaknesses can others step in and offer their assistance.

Be an advocate for smokers in work environments to create a smoke-free rest room, or other place like a break-room where you can go to de-stress or have some quiet time to regroup without being subjected to those who are continuing to smoke.

Put the Fire Out: feel better after quiting smoking

Technorati Profile

There are many aids for quitting smoking they include: nicotine and non-nicotine-based quit smoking aids. There are also gum, inhaler, nasal sprays and nicotine lozenges. You can also use acupuncture, bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin), and hypnosis.

The drug bupropion is marketed as Zyban®, Wellbutrin® SR and Wellbutrin® XL by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and is a prescription-strength anti-depressant that is used to help people quit smoking by reducing their nicotine withdrawl symptoms.

NRT's are Nicotine Replacement Therapy and can take the form of patches, injections, inhalers or gum. The patch is known as a nicotine transdermal system. It is one of the most popular NRT. NRT's are not recommended for long-term use. In order for NRT's to work, the person must be committed to quitting and willing to use them as directed.

A popular nicotine gum is Nicorette®. The gum is not to be used for more than 6 months and works best when used with a program. Do not swallow the gum or use more than 30 pieces a day. The Lozenges are for those who prefer not to use gum. Zyban® is a prescription medicine and is used along with the patch or gum. When using Zyban® and the gum together you must be monitored by a healthcare provider. The nasal spray comes in a pump and should not be used for more than 6 months. The inhaler is administered through the mouth but does not pass to the lungs; but through the mouth and throat where it then is absorbed through the mucus membranes.

If you are experiencing angina, any type of dental disease, have been diagnosed with diabetes, have high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat, an overactive thyroid, a previous heart attack, have experienced stomach problems or have had an allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives you should notify your healthcare provider. You should also let your provider know if you are or suspect you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

You will begin to notice some health benefits almost immediately after you quit smoking. These benefits are:

Easier breathing

More energy

Better endurance

More confidence

More money to spend

Clothing loses that awful smell

Self-confidence and self-esteem return

Exercise becomes easier

Coughing subsides

Eating habits improve because cigarettes used to replace healthy foods

The sense of smell returns

Your complexion may improve

The heart muscle may feel more relaxed and more efficient

You may experience less heartburn or indigestion

You may also gain more respect for yourself

Your vehicle and home will smell better

Your teeth will start to look whiter

Your thinking patterns should improve

You won't experience guilt over exposing family, friends, loved ones and others to secondhand smoke anymore.

It is important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider and to weight all facts, side effects and risks with your provider before deciding on a course of action. The health benefits are many and you will enjoy your smoke-free life, you do however need to consider the route at which you arrive there to assure that you do not harm regarding methods chosen to get there.