Stop Smoking Medical Questions

Smoking Cessation

Are There Ways to quit smoking?

There are many approaches to quitting smoking. There are also many products, programs, and support groups that can help you. Choose which approach and what tools will best suit you. Many people find that a combination of product/programs works best. Obviously the heavier a smoker you are, the more help you'll need. 

Are There Any Tools Or Approaches That Do Not Involve Medication?

Cutting back. You may choose to slowly ease out of your smoking habit before quitting completely on a set date. This could mean smoking fewer cigarettes per day or switching to a low-tar cigarette or a brand you find distasteful. Other possibilities are restricting the time or place of your smoking.

Cold turkey. This method doesn't require  changing your smoking habit at all until your quit date, at which time you will quit smoking altogether. Even light smokers who quit cold turkey report that there is a period of mental adjustment and preparation for the change. That adjustment involves thinking, reading, and talking about quitting rather than making specific changes in your smoking habit (see the section Preparing to Quit).

Support groups. These are a wonderful source of motivation and encouragement for people who are trying to quit. Many studies have shown that the more sources of support and information you have, the greater your odds of success.

Quitting smoking programs. These programs are designed to help you through all the phases of quitting smoking. Most programs are based on specific approaches to quitting. Some combine nicotine replacement therapy with a support group and/or counseling. Smoking cessation programs are much less popular today than they were in the past.

Telephone help lines. Some organizations and states offer telephone smoking cessation support. Contact your local health department to find out if there is a help line in your area. Most of the prescription medication-based therapies also offer telephone support for people using their products. These telephone help lines can be very helpful.

Self-help books. There are countless self-help books available.

Your doctor or a mental health professional. A mental health professional or doctor can help you tailor an approach to quitting smoking that best suits your physical and emotional needs. These professionals are a good sources of motivation and support during the quitting process.

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Are There Approaches That Do Involve Prescriptions, Medications?

There are a number of medications available as aids to quitting smoking. All of these medications are equally effective. Most people do not have serious side effects, and none are likely to lead to abuse of the medication or dependence on it. All are stand alone products but work better when used as part of a complete program. All reduce the cravings for nicotine. You must be 18 years or older to use these drugs.

Nicotine gum, patches, nasal spray, or inhaler (nicotine replacement therapy). These products let you wean yourself from nicotine without smoking. Using nicotine replacement therapy greatly increases your chances of quitting. Combining nicotine replacement therapy with counseling or group support further helps.

Non-nicotine medications.

Chantix targets sites in the brain affected by nicotine. This could help those who wish to give up smoking in the following ways: by providing nicotine effects to ease the withdrawal symptoms and if they resume smoking, by blocking the effects of nicotine from cigarettes.

Bupropion (Zyban) is a prescription drug that can potentially double a person's chance for quitting smoking. Bupropion does not contain nicotine. Scientists think it affects the level of chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) to reduce some of the withdrawal symptoms, however scientists are not certain.

Combination therapy.

Some smoking cessation experts now suggest the use of a combination of 2 forms of nicotine replacement therapy (for example the patch and the gum) or a combination of nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion. These combination therapies must be used only under a doctor's supervision. When combining any 2 medication-based therapies for quitting smoking, talk to your doctor.

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What about Weight Gain?

Weight gain is a big concern for many smokers who are thinking about quitting. However, the average person gains less than 10 lb (4.54 kg) when quitting smoking. The health risks due to weight gain are minor compared with the health risks of smoking. It is important to note that people who try to diet and quit smoking at the same time are less likely to stop smoking. Here are a few things you can do to lessen the chance of gaining weight while quitting smoking. You may want to start these things before your quit date. Even though they are not as difficult as dieting, making any change is stressful and will be harder to do while you are quitting smoking.

Consider using one of the medications (nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion [Zyban] or Chantix). These medications delay weight gain in most people. Although they do not prevent weight gain in the long run, they may allow you to deal first with the withdrawal symptoms, then later deal with issues of weight gain.

Become more physically active. Take a short walk or do some stretches at times when you would ordinarily smoke a cigarette. Becoming more active not only helps prevent weight gain, but it also increases your chances of successfully quitting smoking. 
Substitute fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for high-fat foods. 
Try not to use food to replace the pleasure of handling a cigarette. Rather than eating candy (such as suckers, lollipops, or licorice) to replace the cigarettes, try chewing on a drinking straw, coffee stirrer, or cinnamon stick.

If you are concerned about weight gain, set a date to actively focus on returning to your previous weight. Make sure the date is more than 2 months after you have completely quit smoking. Plan on losing weight through exercising and making healthy food choices rather than through following a very restrictive or fad diet. Give yourself time to lose excess weight gradually. Remember, looking good is much more than how much you weigh. Smelling clean and smoke-free, having fresh breath, having fingers and teeth free of yellow tobacco stains, and feeling healthier all make you more attractive.

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