Smoking is one of the most destructive habits affecting human health. However, despite all the constant warnings, some individuals just cannot stop this highly addicting habit. Quitting smoking is truly a challenging task, especially for those who have made it part of their lives. Today, there are numerous smoking cessation techniques available, the effectiveness of which depends greatly on the willingness, discipline and self-control of people who are using them. Here is a quick look at the various ways to quit smoking.
Nicotine-Replacement Therapy
Cigarettes contain nicotine, which many smokers believe as highly addictive. According them, they experience a sudden surge of alertness, calmness as well as sharpness whenever they smoke. For these reasons, they really find it very hard to stop smoking. One of the highly effective methods available today is nicotine-replacement therapy. By undergoing this process, smokers are guaranteed to reduce their cravings for nicotine significantly. Instead of cigarettes, they can chew nicotine gum or wear nicotine patch. This is proven effective and safe, particularly in removing nicotine addiction.
Intake of Certain Medications
Based on reports, it is possible to reduce nicotine addiction with the aid of certain prescription medications. Some antidepressants are proven effective in reducing the cravings of smokers for nicotine. For this reason, the United States Food and Drug Administration decided to approve clonidine and bupropion as part of smoking cessation programs. Likewise, they also help smokers fight off the feelings of depression and anxiety as they try to stop their smoking habits.
Acupuncture
Instead of nicotine patches and prescription medications, some smokers receive acupuncture to help control their addiction to nicotine. This alternative method is usually performed a number of times a week on smokers until their nicotine addiction eventually subsides. In addition to acupuncture sessions, certain vitamins and herbs are usually prescribed.
Cold-Turkey Method
Amongst the many different options, this one is probably the most difficult. The principle behind this method is just to stop smoking completely through the sheer willpower and motivation of the smokers. Imagine how hard it is for longtime smokers to stop right away.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
Compared to the cold-turkey method, this one is a much slower process. It relies heavily on attitudinal and behavioral changes, which the smokers must undertake in order to stop their addiction to nicotine completely. Most of the times, participants of this method are asked to keep diaries, which can actually help monitor their progress. As the process goes by, smokers slowly learn how to replace negative habits with healthier alternatives.
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