Choosing A Stop Smoking Aid

Cigarette smoking is a huge problem world wide, and, along with automobile accidents, is one of the leading causes of premature death in the western world. The list of ailments resulting from cigarette smoking is ominous, and includes the big one, lung cancer, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, acceleration of the aging process, skin damage, rotting of teeth, and sleep disorders, to name just a few. As well as the damage being done to your body, the habit can send you broke. The cost of cigarettes is getting more and more every year, to the point where some people are spending more on their habit than they do on their weekly groceries. Couple this with the effects of passive smoking to your children and loved ones, and there are more than enough reasons to kick the habit.

Unfortunately, the incredibly addictive properties of nicotine make quitting this habit extremely difficult, and people can end up spending a lot of time, effort and money on all the different stop smoking aids available. It can also be very difficult to determine which method is the best, when there are companies pushing you this way and that, trying to sell you their product. In this article we will look at some of the more common stop smoking aids out there, and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy refers to products out there that are designed to put nicotine into your body without having to smoke a cigarette to get it. Although extremely popular, and a multi million dollar industry, nicotine replacement therapy is believed to only have a 10% success rate. Some of the general side effects of NRT include constipation and abdominal cramps. There are a few different versions of NRT that can be used

Nicotine Gum

These over the counter chewing gums are similar to the normal chewing gum you would buy, however by chewing them you release a dose of nicotine into your bloodstream. They usually have a peppery flavour and will last for up to half an hour. Nicotine gum has a few nasty side effects, specifically an increased chance of gum disease and hair loss (in both men and women).

These are built around the same concept as the gum, however you spray a dose of nicotine directly into your mouth.

Another NRT product that is taken via the mouth. These lozenges are reported to be better tasting than the gum, but still have the same potential side effects.

Probably the most popular of nicotine replacement therapy products, a nicotine patch is like a band aid that is placed directly on your skin and injects a metered dose of nicotine into your bloodstream over a period of time. Many people prefer this method because it's a set and forget alternative. You don't have to remember to take a dosage at regular intervals, as the patch takes care of it for you. Patches have been around since the early 1990's.

An Electronic Cigarette (or e-cigarette) is a tube which stores nicotine within it. You use these in a very similar fashion to a normal cigarette. In fact, many e-cigarettes are designed to look exactly like a cigarette. The difference is that there is no tobacco or smoke involved. These devices are illegal in both Australia and Hong Kong.

These methods involve you either visiting a hypnotist, or learning self hypnosis. NLP involves changing patterns of behaviour and modifying brain patterns as if it were a computer program. There is no scientific evidence of either of these stop smoking aids being effective, however many have tried them and sworn by them.

This is the most successful way of quitting the habit, but also the most difficult. Some people have likened the withdrawal symptoms to heroin withdrawal. Some of the symptoms include laziness, insomnia, fatigue and cold sweats. You can also get extremely irritable and depressed while going cold turkey. Losing the cravings could take anywhere from weeks to months, and many people have reported still suffering from cravings years after giving up. Remember, quitting is a long term strategy, and takes constant self discipline. People compare it to alcoholism, in that you never are a non smoker, only an ex smoker.

Some people have reported success using herbal remedies as a natural stop smoking aid. Kava and Chamomile are considered to be the two most effective herbal remedies, and can be taken quite easily as a tea on a regular basis, without any nasty side effects.

Regardless of which is the best stop smoking aid for you, there are some important things that you need to keep in mind to be successful. Firstly, you need to have support. Tell all your friends and family that you are quitting, you will find that most of them will be incredibly supportive. This is an important step because you are holding yourself accountable and publicising your goals. You also need to be aware of your motivations for giving up. If it's health related, then remind yourself on a regular basis of just how much better your body will be without these poisons coursing through your body. If the expense is your main motivator, treat yourself with some of the money that you will save.

If you are unsure of what stop smoking aids will work in your particular situation, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with your local doctor and discuss your options with them. Doctors have access to a lot more information than your family and friends, and most will be more than happy to set up a step by step plan to help you kick the habit. Set yourself a realistic timeline to stick to, and seek out the support of others who are going through the same process. I wish you all the best, and here's to a long and healthy life.