Methods Of Quitting Smoking (Part 1)

The two keys to quit-success are: Commitment- you make up your mind to quit and are willing to go to any lengths to do so; and: Preparation- you take the time to develop a quit-plan that works for you, and to prepare for nonsmoking life. What we know from over 30 years of research is that different combinations of quit-tools work for different people. The people who succeed are likely to use many tools together, not just one thing.A panel of physicians and researchers appointed by the Surgeon General of the United States reviewed more than 6000 studies of quitting and issued a set of guidelines in June 2000.They made some powerful conclusions and recommendations.

"Use medicine:"

Research has shown that Zyban™ and nicotine replacement therapy helped people succeed more than trying without medication. Nicotine replacement therapy comes in a number of forms: gum, a skin patch, inhaler or nasal spray.

"Get counseling and support:"

Counseling and behavioral approaches are especially effective and should be used by all people trying to quit smoking. The experts said: Don’t quit alone. Get expert counseling and social support. In fact, they found a strong "dose effect"; that means the more support people had the more likely they were to succeed. We have found the same thing on QuitNet. Members who used its support and counseling more frequently were more likely to report success in quitting than those who used it less. Research has also shown that people who took medications and also participated in a support program were more likely to succeed than people who just took medicine. Specific behavioral approaches that help people quit include problem solving and skills training, and using social support.

Medicine & Behavioral Interventions:

We’ll review different kinds of medicine and behavioral interventions first since they are the most effective treatments available. For people who are interested in other types of quit smoking methods, we’ll review these as well.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy:

Nicotine replacement therapy is an effective way to "wean" yourself off nicotine. Although not the "magic pill" that it was thought to be when first introduced, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been shown to be very effective and is now recommended for all smokers attempting to quit (when medically appropriate). On average, all nicotine replacement products are equally effective, roughly doubling the chances of quitting successfully.
The basic idea is to give you time to break the cigarette habit before attempting to actually get off nicotine. NRT minimizes withdrawal symptoms and helps control cigarette cravings to allow you to concentrate on using behavioral techniques to stay smoke-free. There are 4 different types of nicotine replacement therapies: the nicotine patch and nicotine gum are available over the counter without a prescription, while the nicotine spray and nicotine inhaler require a prescription from your physician.