How to quit smoking?

Deciding how to quit smoking, one of the best decisions you can possibly make, can be a difficult and sometimes confusing choice to make. There is an abundance of information, some of it is contradictory. The most important thing you can do before you start the quitting process is evaluate and understand why you smoke and why you want to quit smoking. With a good driving force and thorough understanding of the two concepts above, you will give yourself a much needed edge in the battle against smoking. This guide will examine some of the ways to quit smoking and remain smoke free.

Effective methods for smoking cessation!

There are numerous smoking cessation programs available to not only help you quit smoking, but also stay smoke free. Outline below are a few of the most popular and effective methods.

Hypnosis

Some people have had great success using hypnotherapy to aid in the cessation process. During hypnotherapy, a patient is put into a relaxed state of consciousness. It is believed that a person in this state of being is more open to suggestion. No one is sure exactly why or how this occurs. What is known, however, is that a person can not be hypnotized to do something they usually would not do. Many people use hypnosis to help strengthen and develop their determination to quit smoking because hypnosis uses positive suggestion. Hypnosis is often used in conjunction with other smoking cessation aids which increases its effectiveness and improves the chance a person will remain smoke free. There are a variety of ways a person can undergo hypnosis as part of a smoking cessation program. The most common ways of finding a hypnotherapist and using hypnotherapy in your smoking cessation program are outline below:

• Your doctor or a trusted friend or family member may be able to recommend you to a licensed hypnotherapist in your area. Most smokers need to complete at least 3 hypnotherapy sessions over the course of a few weeks. The costs associated with using hypnotherapy in a smoking cessation program usually range from $250 to $800 and up, depending on the number of sessions and location.
• Self hypnosis: There are a number of books, cds, and DVDs that teach smokers how to perform self hypnosis. This can be particularly convenient for those who are too busy to schedule therapy sessions during regular office hours. It is also works well as a supplement for those who have undergone or are currently undergoing hypnotherapy. These materials are available for purchase online, in bookstores, at mass retailers or may be offered at the local library. Dr. Randy Gilchrist produces a 7 disc series specifically for those that are trying to quit smoking. His set includes sessions on building motivation, overcoming past connections, creating new connections and preventing relapse. Additional sessions on feelings without cigarettes, weight management, concentration, assertiveness and aversion therapy are also included in his set.
• Atropine and scopolamine combination therapy: This method uses a combination of injectable shots, received at a clinic, to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms. These drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat other illnesses but have not yet been tested for effectiveness related to smoking cessation. Before using this method, make an inquiry about the clinic's success rates, up to the 1 yr marker and find out how they determine success. Since both these drugs are prescription medication, it is important that you speak with your doctor prior to starting this method.
• The following methods regarding how to quit smoking have been shown to be inconclusive or ineffective:
• Acupuncture, Laser Therapy, Filters, Dietary Supplements, Smoking Deterrents, Lip Balms, Nicotine Water and Nicotine Wafers

Improve your health, quit smoking!

Studies have found that people receive immediate health benefits when the stop smoking.

• A person's blood pressure and circulation return to the level they were prior to their last cigarette within 20 minutes.
• The body's carbon monoxide levels return to normal within 8 hours of quitting,
• In the time span of a few weeks to months, a person may experience improved circulation and lung function, up to 30% better.
• Within 9 months of kicking the habit, coughing, shortness of breath and congestion decrease.
• After the first year of quitting, a former smoker's excess risk of cardiovascular disease is half that of a current smoker.
• The risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non smoker within 5 to 15 years of quitting.
• 10 years after quitting, rates of cancers decrease for lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas.
• The risk of heart disease is equal to a non smoker approximately 15 years after quitting.

Researching how to quit smoking is one of the first steps for smoking cessation. Deciding on one of the ways to quit smoking is a bit more difficult, but with support and determination, it will make a lifetime of difference.

Related Articles:

Lasers for smoking cessation cure
Join a smoking cessation program
Quit smoking help and aids

Bookmark this Page Email this to your friend Add this page to del.icio.us