Cigarette smoking and nicotine addiction afflict many people and the numbers continue to rise. Studies show that high school kids continue to pick up the habit at an alarming rate.
But, with research over the past several decades, we know today that smoking is a fatal habit. Like many, you may have made the big decision to quit. So let's look at a few different assistance programs available to aid in your cessation goals.
Hypnosis
There are a couple of different ways to use hypnosis to stop smoking. One option is to go to a therapist who specializes in hypnosis and have them perform the procedure. You can also practice self-hypnosis to create your own hypnotic state. Either way, the method is the same. Once in the hypnotic state, either by therapist or self, the subconscious mind is in the driver's seat. Messages are given directly to the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is always in control of behavior, so addressing the subconscious directly can actually affect behavior patterns. The messages given to the subconscious mind will redirect or reprogram the behavior of smoking. You can actually train your brain to believe you are a non-smoker. This method will take more than one session to work. It usually requires up to three to four weeks to change the smoking habit.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is another cessation aid. It is gum with nicotine in it, as the name suggests. When you have made the decision to quit smoking, adding in the gum to fight off urges can be extremely helpful. You must quit smoking before using the nicotine gum. Smoking and chewing the gum at the same time can be extremely dangerous.
But, since the gum helps with the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine, quitting smoking can happen with less physical stress than going it cold turkey. Most people will chew up to a dozen pieces of gum in the first month, but will chew less and less as the urges slow.
Prescription Medication
There are many prescription drugs on the market to help with smoking cessation. The most common names, Wellbutrin, Zyban and Chantix, are nicotine-free. They work by increasing the chemical messengers in the brain which ease the nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
This treatment is usually started at least one week prior to quitting smoking and it generally takes two to three months for the nicotine replacement therapy to work effectively. If you are considering this treatment for quitting smoking, you should consult your doctor. There are some side effects but generally is a great alternative to cold turkey.
Natural Remedies
Herbs such as ginseng, St. John's Wort and lobelia have been used with varying effectiveness to aid in quitting smoking. Ginseng works to block the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is what creates the sense of pleasure while smoking, to curtail the addiction factor. Lobelia acts in the complete opposite way, replacing the nicotine which is the addictive drug that triggers the release of dopamine. The lobelia will trigger the same effect in the brain. St. John's Wort has generally been used to treat depression, but seems to have a calming effect on those going through withdrawals.
Never a Better Time to Quit
This is the 21st Century and there are more tools to help you reach your non-smoking goals than ever before. Your health is too precious to waste another day as a smoker. Consult your doctor and choose the plan that's right for you. Then, enjoy the pleasures of a smoke-free lifestyle.
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