Hands down...
...the best smoking cessation aid on the planet is your own will and determination. If you aren't motivated and committed to kicking the habit, no quit aid can help you. If you are ready to quit, any of them have the potential to work beautifully.That said, a variety of products are on the market today that are designed to help people quit smoking gradually. Choosing one that is right for you is essentially a matter of preference, barring any medical concerns you may have. It's always a good idea to check with your doctor about quit smoking options and discuss what might work best for you before making a decision.
A Word about Cold Turkey...
Cold turkey is the term used to describe quitting smoking with no help from quit aids of any sort. The advantage of this method is that the majority of nicotine is out of a person's body within a few days. The discomforts can be intense, but physical withdrawal is short.A lot of people quit successfully by going cold turkey. But if this sounds too extreme for your liking, plenty of other options are available to help you withdraw from nicotine more comfortably.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) provide a measured dose of nicotine to help ease the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Unlike cigarettes, which consist of thousands of poisonous and/or carcinogenic chemicals, NRTs contain only nicotine. When used according to the manufacturer's directions, NRTs allow one to withdraw from nicotine by gradually reducing the amount of it in each dose.- Nicotine Patch Facts
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of one of the most popular NRT's(nicotine replacement therapies) available on the market today, the nicotine patch.
The Downside of NRTs
Because NRTs contain nicotine, the addictive component in tobacco, a certain risk of re-addiction is involved when using these products. However, if you follow the manufacturer's directions carefully and wean off the NRT of your choice as specified, this can be a safe and comfortable way to end your smoking addiction.Nicotine-Free Quit Aids
Several quit smoking aids are available now that do not use nicotine as an active ingredient. The following therapies are given under a doctor's care only.- Bupropion
Bupropion hydrochloride, marketed under the names Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL by GlaxoSmithKline, is an anti-depressant drug that also works well as a smoking cessation aid. It has been shown to dramatically reduce physical withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine.
- Varenicline Tartrate
Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Inc, varenicline tartrate is marketed under the trademark of Chantix. Approved by the FDA in May 2006, Chantix has the unique ability to partially activate nicotinic receptors in the brain, reducing a person's craving for nicotine when he quits smoking. Additionally, if a person smokes during the course of varenicline treatment, the drug impedes smoking satisfaction by blocking nicotine from binding with these same receptors.
- Varenicline Tartrate Testimonials
When evaluating a particular quit smoking therapy, it's helpful to hear how other people have felt when using it. This list of pros and cons comes from those who have used varenicline tartrate to help them quit smoking.
Other Quit Smoking Methods and Remedies
- Hypnosis
Hypnosis puts people into an altered state of mind where they become more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to quit smoking, and while it seems to work well for some, it isn't for everyone. Learn what you need to know to decide if it's right for you.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice which uses needles placed at specific spots in the skin to treat pain or disease. It can be used to treat addiction to nicotine.
- Is There a Natural Zyban?
From About.com Guide to Alternative Medicine, Cathy Wong: "There are many alternative therapies that are used to help people quit smoking, such as acupuncture and herbs."
