TheSoko.com - How To Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is no easy task, but it’s not impossible. Lisa Xing gives you some tips and how to cope with the withdrawal.

First things first, there are some methods of quitting smoking that may not work. Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the body’s energy points and has been claimed to help with cravings. Other unproven treatments are acupressure, laser therapy, electro stimulation and hypnosis. There seems to be no clear evidence that any of these methods work and the short-term positive results may be due to a placebo effect. However, there are some methods that are sure-fire, if you have the drive and determination.

Proven Methods

While there are unproven methods of treatment, there are also research-supported ways of quitting smoking with which people have succeeded, most likely by combining a few of these resources. It’s different for everyone, so you need to find and try out these methods and choose the few that work in conjunction for you.

Support and counselling groups will help you cope and understand your withdrawal symptoms despite the fact that you may be reluctant to share your experience with others. Anti-depressants like bupropion are prescription medication that can reduce the urge to smoke for some smokers, but they are not effective until combined with support and counselling. Nicotine replacement therapies are plentiful these days. They range from gum and patches to inhalers and sprays. These products contain small amounts of nicotine to take the edge off the cravings. They gradually and slowly reduce the amount of nicotine released into the body. These are most effective with support and counselling.

Step by Step

It’s important to set goals and detail a plan, so be sure to pick a day you’re going to quit. Make sure it’s within the month. This way, it’s easier for you to plan the way you will handle situations you may get into that will make you want to smoke. Choose a time that you know you won’t be stressed, and make sure you don’t change the date!

Now, choose at least two of the proven methods of quitting smoking. Combine self-help guides with the patch, or counselling with nicotine gum.

After this, list your reasons for quitting, whether it is for family reasons, to save money, for your health and the health of your family or all three. Have a separate section for listing lifestyle alternatives that can replace smoking, like that hobby you’ve always wanted to explore, but never had a chance to take up.

Tell your friends, colleagues and family that you’re quitting. That way, they can support you and look out for you. Also, you’ll have to keep tabs on yourself, which means no cheating!

Of course, when you put your plan into action, you also should reward yourself for your successes, as little as they may seem. Small steps are key to reaching that goal. First, you have to mentally celebrate. Tell yourself that the quitting process isn’t easy and that you’re going to get there eventually. Then, buy yourself a favourite treat, but don’t over-indulge!

Withdrawal

The hard part has yet to come and when it does, it comes in the form of withdrawal. It’s your body’s response to functioning without nicotine in your system and it’s not pleasant. Some symptoms include cravings, headaches, coughing, tiredness, stomachaches, irritability and hunger. These symptoms can begin just a few hours after quitting. What can you do to curb these demons? There are a few effective ways.

Make sure you drink lots of water. It flushes the nicotine and chemicals from your system much more quickly, and this can also help keep your mouth busy, so you’re not fixated on smoking.

Take many deep breaths and use this as a substitution to taking, say, a smoke break as well. Take some time to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Hold the last breath for a few more seconds, then exhale slowly.

Of course, you also want to try to counteract the cravings. You may not always feel in control when your body wants nicotine. Gather up your will and hold off. This way, you’ll feel more in control of your body and your mind. Many times, cigarette cravings will pass shortly after.

Another effective method to curb your craving is to distract yourself. Leave your current setting and do something different. If you’re working, go for a small walk around the office. If you’re at home, call a friend or read a book. Try knitting or another activity that keeps your hands busy. Try to relax by taking hot baths or doing a little yoga.

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the most important thing

Even with these methods, it may seem impossible to quit smoking. The key point to take home is that you are the only person who can truly make yourself quit, not a counsellor or a supportive family member. Keep a positive mindset through this and don’t give up or give in.

Sources:
www.quit4life.com
CDC
Health Canada