Quit Smoking Methods

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Quit Smoking Methods

Quit Smoking Methods

If you are a smoker, you have probably tried several times to quit the habit. But, for some, this struggle seems to be a little more difficult than for others. Fortunately, there are a variety of methods available to help you succeed. The important part is finding the quit smoking method that is right for you.

Quit Smoking with Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a form of nicotine replacement that works quickly by gettin nicotine into the bloodstream through the mucous membrane in your mouth. Nicotine gum can be purchased without a prescription and comes in strengths of 2 mg and 4 mg.

It is important when using nicotine gum to follow the included directions carefully. Nicotine gum should be chewed until you notice a peppery taste, and then let it sit against your cheek for a while. You should alternate between chewing it and putting it against your cheek for about 20-30 minutes.

Certain foods and drinks can affect how well the nicotine is absorbed by your system. Therefore, you should avoid eating certain foods and drinks that are acidic, such as juices, coffee, and soft drinks, for 15 minutes before and after chewing the nicotine gum.

If you are a heavy smoker, smoking a pack or more per day, if you smoke within 30 minutes after getting up, or if you have trouble refraining from smoking in areas where it is restricted, you should probably start with 4 mg. But you should never chew more than 20 pieces of nicotine gum per day. And nicotine gum should only be used for 1 to 3 months in most cases, and never for longer than 6 months. You should work toward gradually reducing the amount of nicotine gum you chew.

People with sensitive skin often prefer nicotine gum over a nicotine patch. Nicotine gum also allows you to better control the amount of nicotine you ingest when compared to the nicotine patch. This is because you only chew nicotine gum when you have a craving, or you can create a fixed schedule every day if you choose. Recent data suggests that scheduled doses of nicotine gum are more effective than using it only when required for cravings.

Possible side effects of nicotine gum include throat irritation, bad taste in the mouth, hiccups, mouth ulcers, jaw discomfort, nausea, and a racing heartbeat. Problems with the jaw and stomach are usually caused by using nicotine gum improperly, such as chewing too rapidly or swallowing nicotine.

Quit Smoking With Nicotine Patches

A nicotine patch will provide you with small measured doses of nicotine through your skin throughout the day. Switching to different nicotine patches over time gradually lowers the doses, until you are finally weaned from nicotine.

Nicotine patches can be purchased without a prescription and there are several different strengths available.

The 16 hour nicotine patch is recommended for those who are light to medium smokers. This patch is less likely to cause side effects such as sleep problems, a racing heartbeat, headache, and skin irritation. This patch does not, however, deliver nicotine during the night. It will not help with withdrawal symptoms when you get up in the morning.

The 24 hour nicotine patch, on the other hand, provides a steady dose of nicotine at all times, thereby helping with morning withdrawal symptoms. Greater side effects are associated with the 24 hour nicotine patch, however, such as skin irritation and disrupted sleep patterns.

The majority of smokers begin with the full-strength nicotine patch, which delivers 15 to 22 mg of nicotine, for the first four weeks. It is then possible, and advisable, to move to a weaker nicotine patch of 5 to 14 mg for a further four weeks.

The nicotine patch itself is applied in the morning to a dry, clean area on the body that does not contain a lot of hair. The location should be below the neck, but above the waist. Although the FDA has recommended using nicotine patches for 3-5 months, some studies have shown 8 weeks to be just as effective.

Side effects of nicotine patches can be caused by the brand of the nicotine patch, the dose of nicotine, skin sensitivity, how the nicotine patch is applied, and how long the nicotine patch is used.

Common side effects associated with nicotine patches include dizziness, skin irritation, racing heartbeat, headache, sleep problems, vomiting, nausea, muscle aches and stiffness. If you experience any of these side effects to any significant degree, you should try switching to a different brand, using a lower dose nicotine patch, or using a different form of nicotine replacement.

If you are having problems sleeping, wait for a few days to see if whether there is spontaneous improvement. If not, switch to a lower dosage.

Quit Smoking With Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a form of therapy during which a trained hypnotherapist puts you into a trancelike state. While in this state, you are more open to suggestion. Sometimes, hypnosis is carried out in addition to other quit smoking remedies you may be using, but hypnosis for quitting smoking can also be used alone. On occasion, this form of treatment can be effective in as little as one session. With most people, several sessions are required for effective treatment.

There are no potential side effects of hypnosis for quitting smoking. There is, however, very little research establishing its efficaciousness. Why it works is also not well understood. Critics of this form of therapy say the hypnosis itself doesn’t work, rather it is the patient’s strong belief in the system that makes it effective. Proponents counter that it really doesn’t matter why it works if the hypnosis does helps stop you smoking.

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