Medications to Help Stop Smoking
Various medications are available to help people quit smoking. These medicines are scientifically tested and help users to gradually stop smoking. Various pharmaceutical companies have manufactured different products that enable people to quit the habit. Although these products can be bought without a doctor’s prescription, it is imperative to consult with a doctor. Doctors can determine whether a patient should take a single medicine or combine medications in a way that is best suited to the individual. People must also read the directions on the label of stop-smoking products prior to using them.
Types Of Medications Medications that are widely used in stop-smoking programs are as described below:
* Nicotine patch: The patch is a small self-adhesive patch that releases nicotine into the blood vessels by penetrating the outer layer of derma. It steadily reduces the craving for cigarettes. It is available in different doses without a prescription. An individual can apply the patch anywhere on the skin between the neck and waist. Usually, it is applied to the shoulder or upper arm. It must be replaced with a new patch after 24 hours. The site of application should be changed every two weeks.
* Nicotine gum: The gum is made from Polacrilex, which is a special material used to help people stop smoking. The gum tastes peppery. It releases nicotine, and must be chewed for about 30 minutes until the tingly sensation of the gum vanishes. It is available in two- to four-gram doses. The dose has to be reduced with every passing week, thereby enabling users to kick their addiction to nicotine entirely.
* Varenicline: This medication is available only with a prescription. It is one of the easiest methods to stop smoking. Varenicline stops withdrawal cravings for tobacco and nicotine. It inhibits the nicotine receptors in the brain, which ultimately creates a strong dislike for cigarettes. It is a pill, and does not contain any nicotine.
* Bupropion: It is an easy-to-use stop-smoking pill that also does not contain nicotine. It is available only with a prescription. This medication helps decrease the craving to smoke.
Conclusion Smoking is a difficult addiction to combat, and it affects physical as well as mental health. It takes a sincere effort and strong willpower to discard this habit. People with certain medical ailments or allergies need to consult a doctor before deciding to try stop-smoking medicines or products. Medications are the most efficient way for individuals to quit smoking and thus lead a healthy and happy life.
Stop-Smoking Programs
Programs to help smokers quit are effective plans projected to eliminate dangerous smoking habits. The American Heart Association has predicted that nearly 40 million Americans are smokers, and about 23 percent are eighteen years and older. The reason for the existence of stop-smoking programs is the injurious effects of smoking and tobacco consumption. Tobacco is considered a highly addictive substance that leads to increased risk of heart attacks and lung cancer. Other negative effects related to smoking are bad breath, poor smell, sexual dysfunction, blindness and fractures.
Often, smokers attempt to give up smoking on their own. However, they are unable to achieve their goal for more than a couple of days and once again begin smoking habitually. Smoking becomes a sort of drug without which an individual feels abnormal; smokers may go to great lengths for a cigarette. It is better to try a unique stop-smoking program to kick the addiction, or else it might become difficult for individuals to quit, which can eventually lead to severe problems.
Stop Smoking to Lead a Happier Life
Quitting smoking can result in a happier, healthier life. Surveys show that many smokers want to give up this dangerous habit. Some of them fail at quitting and some succeed, but the bottom line is that individuals can live longer by quitting this habit. When a person stops smoking, the body starts driving out nicotine and tar from tissues immediately. It takes several weeks to give up the habit entirely, but quitting can allow an individual to live for many more years. To be able to stop smoking, people must seriously consider the various harmful effects not only on their own bodies but also on their families.
Treatments to Help Stop Smoking
There are many available treatments that help addicted smokers quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of death in the United States. Because of the strong negative effects of smoking on the skin, teeth and cardiovascular system, many smokers make multiple attempts to quit the habit. Unfortunately, the withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine addiction are very difficult to fight.
Fortunately, there are many treatments and products to help people, especially smokers who want to bring an end to their addictive and dangerous habits, stop smoking. These treatments come from both traditional (Western) and nontraditional (Eastern) medicines. Though the treatments can’t assure a 100 percent success rate, such products and treatments may assist smokers in quitting the habit.
Some of the Treatments and Products:
Below are some of the products or treatments which help smokers to give up the habit. • Nicotine Chewing-Gum: It is the most popular product for smokers who want to quit. The gum contains nicotine, which is released through chewing. Smokers can chew this gum as a replacement for lighting up a cigarette. • Nicotine Dapple: It is another product that helps fight the smoking habit, and is also a nicotine replacement treatment. The patch releases small quantities of nicotine that are strong enough to convince the brain that the person is smoking. However, nicotine in the patch comes without the hazardous ingredients and effects of cigarettes. • Oral Contraceptives: There are many pills available on the market that help smokers quit. Zyban is one of the most popular brands available. It does not contain any nicotine substances and has the effect of an antidepressant drug. • Vaccination: This is another popular method to stop smoking. The chemical substances contained in this vaccination inhibit the nicotine receptors in smokers’ brains, curbing their thirst for nicotine. • Taffy: This tasty but slow dissolving candy keeps you chewing and your mind off of smoking.