Methods Of Quitting Smoking (Part 2)

Zyban:

Zyban is a prescription medication that was originally used to treat depression. The idea to use it for smoking came from physicians who saw that their patients being treated for depression spontaneously quit smoking. Numerous trials have shown Zyban to be at least, if not more, effective than the nicotine patch. Zyban is thought to work by blocking nicotine withdrawal, making smoking less reinforcing by stimulating certain centers of the brain, and improving mood. Use of Zyban should begin 2 weeks before quitting smoking to allow blood levels to reach a therapeutic level. Side effects can include tremor, rash, headache, insomnia and dry mouth.

Behavioral Interventions:Counseling

Individual or Group, Telephone or Internet:Many smokers find it helpful to have the support of other smokers who are trying to quit. Properly run group, telephone and internet programs help you understand your smoking habits, develop new coping strategies, and set a target quit date; they’re also a good way to learn tips and strategies that other smokers find helpful. Most good group programs meet for a few weeks after the quit date so members can get support before, during, and after quitting. One-year quit rates for group programs usually range from 25% - 40%. The cost of these programs varies, and can range from $15 to several hundred dollars. Remember… more expensive programs are not always more successful.There is a strong association between the duration of treatment and also the length of each session. The more intensive and longer the program, the more likely you are to succeed. When choosing a counseling program, look for one that has sessions that are at least 20 to 30 minutes long; offer at least 4 to 7 sessions; and last for at least 2 weeks. The group leader should be specifically trained in smoking cessation.

Nicotine fading:

Rate fading and brand fading are two strategies of gradually reducing the amount of nicotine in your system before you quit. They are different than the approach of cutting back since the ultimate goal is quitting, not continued smoking at a lower level. Smoking fewer cigarettes and smoking low nicotine cigarettes are still hazardous to your health.Many people use these strategies to prepare for quitting using medicines like the nicotine patch or nicotine gum. There are a number of benefits of these strategies: they may make withdrawal symptoms less intense after quitting, and they provide mini practice opportunities for coping with mild withdrawal symptoms and for giving up cigarettes which may help later on. The downside to these strategies is that people often go too slow or too fast: reducing nicotine intake by more than 30% at any time may lead to intense withdrawal symptoms and relapse, whereas reducing nicotine too slowly may result in a loss of motivation and relapse.