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What are the Different Methods to Help Quit Smoking?

Smokers have access to more resources than ever when attempting to quit smoking. The two barriers to stopping smoking are those which are emotional and those which are physical.

The emotional aspects of quitting smoking can be addressed by undergoing counselling – a GP should have access to information as regards contacting a local organisation which provides free services in this area. One to one counselling is believed to have the highest rate of success in converting wannabee quitters to actual ex-smokers.

The support of family, friends and colleagues is extremely important when giving up smoking and it might be helpful to spend more time with non-smokers or ex-smokers when trying to give up. This doesn’t mean giving up all friends who smoke – but during the transition period when trying to quit it makes sense to limit time spent with people who smoke to avoid the risk of temptation.

On the physical side there are many different ways of controlling the withdrawal symptoms connected with giving up smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy consists in a large number of different types of medication which can limit the side effects of stopping smoking.

Products on the market include patches, inhalers, nasal sprays and chewing gum all of which can help people to quit smoking by continuing to supply a controlled dose of nicotine to them.

Changing habits can help smokers to quit. Smokers often associate the habit with another – perhaps having a cigarette with a glass of wine. In the short term it would probably be beneficial to cut out the wine – one less reminder to smoke.

People quitting smoking also find it hard to find something to replace the physical presence of a cigarette in the hand, taking up a hobby which involves the hands might help – for instance knitting.