You have decided to quit smoking and now you have to decide how you will quit. There are several options. This blog will address the standard quit smoking methods: tapering, “cold turkey”, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescribed medication (Zyban and Chantix). Each of the methods has pros and cons. I recommend that you write down pros and cons in every decision related to the quit process. Actually seeing the lists helps you to make informed decisions rather than having the reasons “in your head”.
Tapering has the advantage of you continuing to smoke as you cut down your use. However, you will have cigarettes readily available when temptations occur to smoke “just one more because I deserve it”.
“Cold turkey” requires you to choose a quit date, quit, and remain quit despite discomfort from withdrawal from nicotine. An advantage is that the physical withdrawal lasts only about 72 hours, however, you still have to deal with the emotional withdrawal.
Nicotine replacement therapy helps you break the smoking habit, while using a different nicotine delivery system. This method is more comfortable, but at some point you will have to taper off the nicotine in order to quit completely. Some state health departments provide free nicotine patches and phone counseling for those wanting to quit.
Prescribed medication acts on neurotransmitters in your brain. They ultimately decrease the desire to smoke. Or they act on the pleasure center of the brain, so smoking is not as satisfying as it used to be. One disadvantage is that some insurance companies do not cover the costs of these meds for smoking cessation.
It is important for you to learn as much as you can about each method so you can choose the best quit method for you. Future posts will explore each of these methods of quitting smoking.
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Quitting cigarette is extremely difficult. Nevertheles, many managed to do it with the green cigarettes. You should try it.
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