Getting Help To Quit Smoking

July 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Stop for no smoking terror

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Quitting smoking can be difficult – all the motivations are there, the health benefits, smelling nicer, the financial saving, but for some people, willpower alone just isn’t enough. For some people using tobacco patches or chewing gum might help, but others still find quitting extremely difficult, and possibly even impossible.

Seeking help can be the answer, however. Many people find addictions extremely hard to fight on their own, and having someone to offer support and help makes all the difference. First, consider whether you will tell any friends or family. Those who will provide this support and assistance will be beneficial, but if you think they might be judgemental or make it harder, keep your plan to yourself.

Join an online quitting scheme. The NHS runs a program designed by smokers which offers support at those critical moments – you can get emails, texts, phone calls and letters to spur you on, and stop you giving in to temptation. They also run local stop smoking schemes, which allow you to meet others trying to stop smoking, and discuss what is working for you – or talk about something completely different, and distract yourself.

See your doctor. You may be able to get subsidized treatments such as chewing gum or patches to help you with the initial cravings, or to stop withdrawal symptoms. You might be an ideal candidate for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which is better for you then smoking, or nasal spray, which delivers the nicotine your body needs without you needing to smoke.

Finally, print off some information about why you should quit and use it to motivate you when you are really craving a cigarette – the benefits of smoking really are worth the effort!

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Various Ways to Stop Smoking

March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Nearly every smoker wants to quit, but most find that it is a very tough thing to actually do. There are several stop smoking aids available now that may be able to help make the process of stopping a little less stressful. One of the most commonly used stop smoking aids is the nicotine patch. The nicotine patch is worn on the body similar to a band aid and is usually placed on the upper are. The patch slowly releases nicotine that is absorbed into the skin. By using a nicotine patch, the cravings for cigarettes is lowered. Most patches are worn for a day then discarded and replaced by a new one. They are said to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms that smoker’s feel when trying to quit.

Also available is nicotine gum that works in a similar manner as the nicotine patch, but is chewed instead of worn. There are specific instructions as to how often it is considered safe to use the gum. The gum packages come with a dosage instruction pamphlet that should be followed closely. Most gums come in various strengths and are supposed to be used according to how many cigarettes the person smokes per day. Hypnosis is another way to try to stop smoking, although many that have tried it, have stated that it doesn’t work well. Using acupuncture is another way many smokers try to quit.

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Do Smoking Prevention Methods Work

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Based on the number or people, including teens one sees smoking it may seem as if smoking prevention methods have failed. However, statistics indicate that these methods have been yielding results. They include counseling, advertising in the media and of course, drug therapy and plain old talking. While most of these programs target young smokers, many take aim at older adults as well.

There are now grants funding programs that are all aimed at smoking prevention and quitting. Many of the ads shown are graphic in nature and have scared people enough to make them want to stop smoking. While this is not always enough to have an impact on smokers who are hooked on nicotine, it does provide a starting point.

In 2002 information from the Centers for Disease Control indicated that the fall in the number of teen smokers is partially a response to prevention strategies. The fall in cigarette sales over the last few years is also seen as an indication that fewer people are smoking or people are smoking less.

Of course, there is the belief that on a whole school-based prevention programs are not very effective. This does not mean that these programs should be scrapped, but the message may need to be revamped.

One other benefit of smoking prevention programs is that they dissuade some children and teens from starting if they were so inclined. While figures are not easy to come by, it is to be hoped that the successes of the past are being replicated today. What some studies have shown is that the more effective programs are those that promote smoke-free zones such as a workplace or meeting area.

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Why It is So hard to Stop Smoking

February 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

On the face of it, it would seem like an easy thing to stop smoking if you want. The question may be asked, if some people just stop cold turkey why can’t everyone. There is no simple answer to the question as to why some persons beat their nicotine addiction easier than others.

Scientists have found that nicotine, the drug in cigarettes, is highly addictive. Once someone gets hooked on nicotine, they become both physically and psychologically dependent on it. As with any type of addiction, learning to live without the source of addiction is hard.

Over time, when a smoker does not have nicotine, they suffer withdrawal symptoms which can be unpleasant. These include irritability, tiredness, difficulty focusing and for some people hunger. Some smokers gain weight when they quit. These feelings make the smoker think that smoking is necessary to function properly. Plus, many people especially women, use cigarettes as a means of keeping their weight in check.

Apart from the physical reasons, some people find it hard to quit because it gives them a feeling of belonging. This is especially true for teens who give in to peer pressure. For them, smoking is a way of showing maturity.

There is also an emotional side to smoking. It helps many people to relax when stress hits. Many smokers will say that smoking helps them to think clearly. When someone stops smoking they have to find new ways to deal with stress and frustration which can be hard, especially for long-term smokers.

Quitting the habit sometimes calls for repeated attempts before success is achieved. The addictive pull of nicotine and the psychological boost are hard to do without.

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Simple Ways to Help You Quit the Habit

February 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

While quitting smoking is hard, there are lots of ways to help people stop. Despite this, it is important to know that many people sometimes have to stop and start over repeatedly before they beat nicotine addiction. This is prove of how addictive nicotine is.

While there are well-known aids such as drugs to help people quit smoking, there are other ways to get the process started. It helps if the smoker makes a list of some of these steps as they work towards their stop smoking goal. The first stage of any such program should include these:

A desire to quit on the part of the smoker. Making a list of all the reasons why you want to quit will help make the decision easier.Start a conditioning program such as going to the gym and eating better so as to get your mind and body in gear.Learn what your triggers are and try to avoid them. Some people smoke when they face great stress others after eating certain types of food. Knowing what sparks cravings can help you avoid them and find other coping methods.Drinking lots of water is believed to help flush out nicotine and related toxins from your body.

Some methods that people all over the globe use to help them beat nicotine are:

Going cold turkeyGradually reducing cigarette smokingUsing medicationUsing herbal therapyUsing traditional means such as acupuncture and meditation

Some methods or combination of methods work best for some people and not for others. To beat addiction of any type is not easy. The person with the addiction must want to stop and be willing to keep going even when they fail. Many former smokers tried to quit numerous times before they succeeded.

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Women and Smoking: The Added Risks

February 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Women seem to face more risks from smoking. They are exposed to all the known health risks that men face such as cancers of the lung, throat, mouth and larynx, heart and circulatory diseases. However, they have to deal with unique situations as well.

Women who smoke could have fertility issues and problems while giving birth. It has been reported that smokers will generally take over a year to conceive in comparison to nonsmokers. Published reports suggest that the fertilization process in smokers can be impaired.

Babies of smokers are more likely to develop colds, allergies and respiratory illnesses than babies of nonsmokers. These babies may be born prematurely and even when they are full term, babies of smokers tend to be of low birth weight which can have health implications.

Women who use birth control also face certain dangers from smoking. Many ads for birth control products warn that women who smoke may be at increased risks of certain conditions such as blood clots and stroke. According to some of these ads, the danger increases after age 35.

Pre and post-menopausal women also have increased risks of some health conditions if they are smokers. Osteoporosis, bone density loss among older women, can be compounded by smoking. Female smokers lose more bone density than nonsmokers especially as they reach menopause.

It would seem that the cards are stacked against women smokers. The health risks discussed are just a few of the the known dangers when it comes to women and smoking. Thankfully, there are now many ways for women to get help to quit smoking.

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Naturals Ways to Quit Smoking

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Every day people try to quit smoking without success. There are many products on the market that are designed for helping people quite the habit, but some want to do it naturally. There are lots of natural methods that smokers can try to help them get over the habit for good.

Herbs

There are many herbs that have been used for years as aids to help people quit. Some of them are quite popular such as St. John’s Wort, Lobelia and Ginseng. Some can be had as pills while others are used in powder form to brew tea.

Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese treatment has helped some smokers quit. The treatment is said to help by changing the taste of cigarettes, which result in the smoker not wanting to smoke. Some acupuncturists use herbs in conjunction with acupuncture to hasten the process of withdrawal and cessation.

Hypnotherapy

Many people who have quit smoking swear by this method. It may not be for everyone, but it may be worth a try.

Just Stopping

For many people it is hard to quit abruptly. However, this has been the route taken by many former smokers who have given up the habit. This is a good method for people who are strong willed as it is easier for them to stop cold turkey, that is, without the use of any other methods. This may have to be tried repeatedly before success is finally achieved.

These methods have proven successful for some smokers, but not everyone will succeed at the first try. Like all addictions, support and encouragement is needed to help the smoker start the quitting process and to stick to it.

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Quit Smoking The Self-Inflicted Punishment

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

One of the biggest health challenges facing mankind is unfortunately of their own making. As it is, the world is becoming an unhealthier place to live in because of pollution and environmental degradation. Added to this the menace of smoking is snuffing out many valuable lives in the prime of their youth.

It is unfortunate that millions of people across the world continue with this life-threatening practice even though they are very much aware of the risks associated with it. Smoking is an almost certain route to cancer and a host of other diseases. Though a plethora of laws are floating around in various countries, it is very difficult to implement them unless the end users of cigarettes, i.e. the consumers themselves realize the dangers they are bringing upon them and to society at large

One more dangerous consequence associated with cigarettes is passive smoking or exposure to second-hand smoking as it also called. Imagine a situation in a small apartment where the parents are smokers. They are surely damaging their health irretrievably but what they may not be realizing is that they are also seriously damaging their family members’ health. Passive smoking is as big a health challenge as active smoking in many parts of the world, especially in poor countries where the living conditions are very bad, unhygienic and with lack of ventilation.

To combat this menace, there are many initiatives taking place out there but more needs to be done. There are many ways to quit smoking provided there is a determination and will power amongst the users. More importantly there should be a mass uprising to get the world rid of this menace and a long fight is ahead, especially with the biggest vested interest, i.e. the tobacco manufacturing companies and tobacco cultivators. These people tout death and destruction in the name of creating jobs and opportunities.

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Health of a Smoker

January 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

You must have heard that smoking is bad for your health and that there are many risks associated with it both for you and those near you. There are people who don’t quit in spite of being aware of the consequences of continuing the habit. They simply can’t get away from it. They would continue the habit no matter what anybody tells them.

When you look at the risks that the smokers face, you find that all the major diseases are associated with their habit. In fact most people would be overwhelmed by the list. The first health risk would be respiratory diseases. The smokers would undoubtedly experience respiratory diseases at least once in their life. The cough and breathing troubles would be their companions for life.

The respiratory diseases also include the throat infections and the nose troubles. This is mainly due to the particles that enter the body through the cigarette smoke. There may be many particles that enter the body and some of them might prove to be irritants of a very dangerous type. Also you would have the clinging smell of the smoke when you use a cigarette.

Another major risk is the possibility of oral cancer. This is a very common and increasing form of cancer. It can be avoided if the smoking habit is avoided, but people seem to favor the disease than stop smoking. This attitude has made the elimination of this disease quite tough. Also there are other risks such as the infections and ulcers.

Stopping the habit of smoking is the best way to eliminate all these risks from the world. If not from the world, at least it would reduce the risks of such diseases by stopping the use of tobacco. Tobacco is the main carcinogenic substance in most types of cancers.

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Benefits of Quitting

January 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances, which upon ingestion gets distributed rapidly in the bloodstream, crosses blood-brain barrier. Nicotine inhaled can reach the brain in about 7 seconds. Nicotine has a half life of 2 hours in the body. Nicotine is ingested in various ways which include smoking, chewing tobacco etc. Once people get addicted to smoking they find it hard to quit unless they are determined to do so.

Once a person stops smoking, his pulse rate and blood pressure returns back to normal range and the hand and feet temperature also increases and returns to normal. The Carbon Monoxide levels in the blood drops and as a result the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood increases and the risk of heart attack decrease. Along with it the nerves starts regenerating and in turn improves the sense of smell and taste. The cilia lining the lungs start to re-grow and assist in keeping the lungs healthy and prevent any foreign particles from entering the respiratory tract. There will be an improvement in the circulation of blood to the lungs increasing the lung function and allowing efficient transfer of oxygen to the blood. The risk of getting a coronary also drops drastically compared to that of a smoker.

Even though a person can’t quit smoking in a day, it will take some time to get over the habit. To achieve it, the person should have a strong will, determination and focus. Once it is achieved, it does more good than one can realize. Once the person quits smoking, his life expectancy increases, the person lives longer and also have a healthy body, skin and mind. It is never late for anyone to kick a habit that causes more harm than benefit. And here smoking causes only harm without any benefit.

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