Using more than one strategy might increase your chances
of successfully quitting. Consider the following options:
• Self-help. To plan and maintain
your attempt to stop smoking, obtain publications from
national health organizations such as the American Cancer
Society, American Lung Association and Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, as well as your state and local
public health departments.
• Group support. Meet with others
who are working to become smoke-free.
• Individual counseling. This
includes one-on-one contact with a trusted physician,
psychologist, nurse or counselor.
• Cold turkey. This is a sudden,
decisive break from cigarettes. You stop smoking completely
with little or no reduction beforehand. If you quit
cold turkey, you're likely to experience symptoms of
withdrawal, like nearly everyone else who quits smoking.
Some withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, increased
appetite and irritability. It's a good idea to get some
form of help when quitting, whether it's a support network
or medication.
• Medication. Medication helps
reduce cravings and ease the withdrawal symptoms of
nicotine until the worst effects are over. Medication
comes in two basic forms. Nicotine replacement products
deliver controlled amounts of nicotine to your brain
by way of your bloodstream — without smoking.
Non-nicotine medication, such as bupropion (Zyban),
lessens withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety,
restlessness and depressed mood.
• Exercise. This may help reduce
the stress and weight gain that sometimes occur after
you quit smoking.
• Find a buddy. Ask a nonsmoking
friend or family member to be available for you to contact
when you experience tough times or when you have reason
to celebrate.
• Alternative therapies. Some
smokers turn to hypnosis or acupuncture to help them
quit, though little proof exists that either is effective.
CDC:
How To Quit Smoking
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* Text Resources: The Mayo Clinic Staff
WARNING:
There is no safe tobacco product. The use of any tobacco
product can cause cancer and other adverse health effects.
This includes all forms of tobacco including cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and spit tobacco; mentholated, "low-tar,"
"naturally grown," or "additive free."
