Quitting smoking needs not just firm determination but a few aids that ease the journey. Since tobacco and nicotine have adverse effects on physical and mental health, many smokers eventually choose smoking cessation programs to get over the dependence and addiction.
From medical support to lifestyle changes, we will take you through reliable quit smoking treatment and therapy, in this blog.
Physical and Psychological Addiction to Smoking
Before we explore the right smoking cessation medicine or practice, let us understand how this activity leads to dependence:
· Nicotine causes the brain to produce more dopamine, resulting in alertness, feelings of pleasure – but temporarily.
· When the nicotine levels decline, you experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, irritation, problems concentration – boosting the craving to smoke again to achieve the previous dopamine-driven state.
· Since nicotine has some lingering effects, people often choose to follow this habit in tandem to daily activities like during work breaks, early in the morning, before bowel movements, etc.
· One of the ways to ensure a successful smoking cessation step, is to identify the personal triggers and chalk out a plan to cope with and eliminate this habit.
Quit Smoking Treatment: Natural Methods
You do not have to rush to avail a smoking cessation medicine right away. Firstly, draw a structured strategy on how you could stop smoking and what you need to do next:
· Quitting smoking needs some preparation and does not have to be an abrupt action. Give yourself a date (like after a few weeks), before you begin to reduce the intake or stop smoking.
· Observe the exact moment when you crave for a smoke, and keep a note of it. Consciously keep a check on how you feel about it.
· Once you near the quit date, begin to dispose of the smoking products from every place – from your workplace, home, vehicle, etc. To get rid of the smoke odors, clean up spaces, clothes, wherever the odor remains.
· You do not have to shoulder the commitment to quit smoking treatment alone. Seek support from family, peers, friends, etc. and build a support network. Their support and encouragement can act as a motivation for your goal achievement.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Smoking Cessation Medicine
Here are the details about medicines devoid of nicotine, or over-the-counter NRT (nicotine replacement therapy):
· NRT involves delivery of nicotine in low doses but without the harmful tar, toxins, and carbon monoxide. Some products included are gums and lozenges to stop cravings, transdermal patches to provide a fixed nicotine dose throughout the day.
·Then there are inhalers and nasal sprays, especially for those who prefer quick relief, as the medicine absorbs faster via nasal membranes.
· Medicine for smoking cessation like Generic Champix and Generic Chantix contain Varenicline, and work on the nicotine receptors sites by acting as a partial agonist. It blocks nicotine binding as well as restricts withdrawal symptoms. You can take these meds 1 to 2 weeks before the desired quit date
· You may also choose Generic Zyban (Bupropion), which reduces the urge to take nicotine by altering the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Like the former option, start with this medicine at least a week or two before the quit date.
How to Manage Smoking Cessation Yourself?
Here are some tips to follow to control the urge to smoke:
· When you encounter the craving, remember the moment is temporary. Do not give into the urge suddenly but wait for a few minutes. Perhaps the craving will fade away or at least reduce greatly.
· Drink cold water before you reach out for a pack of smoke. This substitutes the action with something beneficial instead, and water literally helps the toxin to exit your system.
· Strike a distraction when you want to smoke. Engage in another activity that involve mental focus so that you can overcome the addiction practically,
· To continue with the quit smoking treatment, practice deep breathing and do it every time you feel like smoking. Breath through your nose and out when the urge hits – this will keep your mind calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the FAQs about smoking cessation medicine, therapy, and treatment available:
1. How long do nicotine withdrawal symptoms last after quitting?
The withdrawal symptoms are intense for the first 2 to 3 days but may go away on their own in 2 to 4 weeks. It may be the hardest period to survive the urge and not light a smoke, but the most important to stay resilient to your plan to quit smoking.
2. How do Generic Champix and Generic Chantix help people quit smoking?
The active component in these meds is varenicline. It blocks the reward feeling caused by nicotine so that you do not feel pleasure or other highs when you smoke next. Make sure to follow the dosage as indicated by a physician and do not stop taking the medicine suddenly.
3. Is Generic Zyban safe to take alongside nicotine patches or gum?
Medicines like Generic Zyban could be recommended by doctors along with nicotine replacement therapy. However, both options require medical guidance. Do not self-medicate or begin to use smoking cessation aids without consulting a professional.
4. Will quitting smoking lead to significant weight gain?
While quitting smoking does not cause weight gain on its own, people may often tend to gain some pounds as to distract themselves from smoking they may increase intake of food and water. However, regular physical activity can help keep weight under control.
5. What should I do if I experience a lapse and smoke a cigarette?
Do not give up if you can not control the urge and smoke a cigarette. Especially, do not take it as a defeat and go back to the regular habit of smoking. Start anew and identify what triggered you into smoking, and plan to get back to stopping to smoke immediately.