By Carol Stack
The Desire to Quit Smoking
This "stop smoking product" isn't found on any shelf or in any store or web site. The desire to quit smoking for yourself and for the betterment of your health must be present for a smoking cessation program to be successful.
With that being said, here is a list of quit smoking products available today that you may find helpful in your quest for a healthier, smoke-free life.
Nicotine Patches
This method of quitting smoking is a form of nicotine replacement therapy. A small, usually transparent patch is placed on the body and periodically releases small amounts of nicotine. This allows your brain to get the nicotine it craves while weaning yourself from it but without getting the harmful smoke.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is a popular stop smoking aid in that it serves two purposes. First, the gum releases small amounts of nicotine when chewed, and secondly, it helps keep your mouth busy and may help with overeating.
Quit Smoking Lozenges
These lozenges are said to help decrease nicotine cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety and headaches. They're also useful for the oral fixation aspect of quitting smoking and can help some avoid gaining weight.
Quit Smoking Pills
There are a few quit smoking pills available that you can ask your doctor about. Zyban is a popular drug that many people have found helpful that doesn't contain nicotine but aids in the withdrawal process.
Zyban contains the same ingredient as the anti-depressant Wellbutrin and has the same effects such as easing irritability and anxiety, but without being classified as an anti-depressant.
A new drug hitting the market, under the name Chantix, Varenicline has been shown to block nicotine from attaching to the receptors in the brain. When nicotine is inhaled, the chemical properties attach themselves to the brain receptors, which then act as tiny messengers telling the body to release dopamine.
Dopamine is the chemical that gives us a feeling of relief and pleasure, which is why nicotine addiction is so strong since the body continuously wants to experience that "feel good" sensation it gets from smoking.
Herbal Remedies
If you prefer the natural route, you may want to consider herbal remedies such as pills, teas and even herbal cigarettes. These cigarettes resemble the real deal without the nicotine and tar and may give you something to do with your hands. They also still allow you to experience the sensation of smoking while quitting the habit.
Hypnosis and Support Groups
If you are a person who is able to be hypnotized, as not everyone is, then perhaps this method is worth trying as several people have reported success after a stop smoking hypnosis session.
Support groups are beneficial in that they surround you with like-minded people who understand your feelings through first hand experience. People often find it easier to quit smoking with the support of others and can share tips, hints and even frustrations in your journey to quit smoking.
Any of these stop smoking products coupled with the strong desire to lead a healthier and longer life can help you realize your dream of being a non-smoker. Remember the adverse ramifications that are well-documented and filling the news reports today such as lung cancer, emphysema, COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, not to mention the damage caused to friends and loved ones by second-hand smoke.
About the Author: Carol Stack lives with her husband, children, dogs and cats in the United States. She has a web site that encourages people to quit smoking. You can visit it at http://www.onlinestopsmokingtips.com
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