Top 5 Surefire Methods to Quit Smoking

Why does anyone give up smoking cigarettes, cigars or other forms of tobacco? For some, it may be doctor's orders that's caused them to quit. For others, it may be for personal reasons, like embarking on a new, healthy diet that centers on a nicotine-free lifestyle. Whatever the reason, there comes a time when you need to eliminate smoking and nicotine from your daily routine. But, you can be sure, it's an important but challenging step in improving your overall health and well being, and the health of those around you.

Health Effects of Smoking and Tobacco Use

Experts have long known and reported that with smoking and tobacco use comes an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cigarette and cigar smoking are leading causes of lung cancer, sinusitis and sinus disease, allergies and chronic obstructive lung disease. Even pipe smokers have an increased risk of lung, larynx, throat, esophageal, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers along with heightened risk of coronary artery disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and stroke.

Why Does Anyone Smoke?

Smoking and tobacco use are dangerous addictions that contribute to the growing disease burden the world over. According to the American Lung Association, every year over 392,000 people in the US die from tobacco-caused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Another 50,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke.

The vast majority of smokers and tobacco users today were hooked when they were children or adolescents. Once hooked, the majority become hopelessly addicted and, as a result, experts report that more than 5 million children living today will die prematurely because of smoking and tobacco use.

Smoking becomes a habit that's difficult to beat. For some, smoking is a crutch to sooth nerves. For others, smoking cigarettes is a form of recreation that's often shared by friends and family members, making it doubly hard to quit.

Top 5 Methods to Quit Smoking

But, people can and do quit smoking and using tobacco. And, once they quit, they find they feel great, sleep better, and have more energy. Their relationships improve because they're not spending all their time waiting for that chance to slip away and smoke a cigarette.

Are you ready to quit smoking once and for all? Are you tired of tobacco's grip on your health and future? Check out these Top 5 Surefire Methods to Quit Smoking. Sure to make a difference to you and your family.

1. Cold Turkey and Personal Willpower. In this method, you quit immediately and rely on your personal strength and willpower to kick the habit. It helps to have a good reason to quit, like health issues or pregnancy, to maintain personal commitment to smoking cessation.

2. Gradual Reduction in Smoking. In this smoking cessation method, you gradually wean yourself of smoking until you know longer need to smoke.

3. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). In this method, you use a nicotine product, like a nicotine patch, gum or lozenge, to replace the amount of nicotine you have come to rely on in your body. NRTs work by replacing high concentrations of nicotine with lower doses that are administered more slowly. NRTs should reduce your cravings and level of smoking over time.

4. Medication. Zyban is an oral medication that helps to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, like craving cigarettes. Chantix is a nicotinic receptive modulator that's used to help you quit smoking.

5. Alternative Medicine. Both hypnosis and acupuncture have been shown to be highly effective in helping individuals quit smoking.

Still can't seem to beat the habit? Consult your doctor and health care professionals about alternative therapies to help you quit, including 12 Step Programs, biofeedback and visualization, detoxification diets, fasting and cleansing, and supportive nutritional supplements.

RESOURCES

American Lung Association
1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004
Telephone: (202) 785-3355 Email: info@lungusa.org
Official Website: www.lungusa.org

Smokefree.gov
www.smokefree.gov

Guide to Quit Smoking
Stay Away From Tobacco, Stay Healthy
American Cancer Society