With the New Year approaching, it’s time to begin thinking about resolutions. A common resolution that many individuals make but fail to keep is the complete cessation of smoking. What better way to start off the new year than with a healthier set of lungs? Here are some great ways to kick a nasty smoking habit once and for all.
1. Nicotine gum or patches These smoking-aids provide the nicotine that makes cigarettes so addictive and thus satisfy your cravings. The gum comes in a variety of flavors and is often preferable over the patch due to it satisfying the oral fixation many smokers have. Unfortunately, nicotine gum has the potential to cause serious side effects, such as hiccups, gum disease, hair loss and birth defects. In addition, the American Cancer Society suggest nicotine patches be used primarily for withdrawal symptoms.
2. Weaning Many people feel that quitting cold turkey is too difficult, as withdrawal symptoms can be a real struggle to deal with. As a result, a tried and true method is reducing the average number of cigarettes you smoke on a daily basis until you’re down to zero. This allows you to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can cause you to reach for a cigarette to quell them, and eventually the desire to smoke will subside.
3. Cold Turkey If you can deal with the withdrawal symptoms, which can include headaches, dizziness, irritability, and even depression, then quitting smoking entirely and all at once might work. This often goes hand-in-hand with using nicotine patches or gum, which can help quell the cravings. As was noted above, however, you should be informed of possible side effects, as the withdrawal symptoms may be preferable.
4. Money While this isn’t exactly a WAY to quit smoking, it certainly is motivation. Smoking is expensive, and with the recent hike in cigarette prices, quitting smnt.com/lifestyle/oking is not only a great way to improve your health, but to save money as well. A pack of cigarettes costs on average $5, and for those who smoke excessively, the cost can really add up. A good tip is to take the money you were going to use for cigarettes and stick it in a jar somewhere. Then, at the end of the month, use that money to buy something you’ve always wanted.
In the end, the reason you’re quitting smoking is for your health, and whatever way you decide to do so is the right way. Before quitting you should discuss with your doctor the potential for side effects and the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. He or she can thus help you formulate a plan to quit smoking once and for all.
Health and Wellness 