Those individuals that quit smoking
on their own only succeed about one time in 20 because of the many
withdrawal symptoms that individuals suffer. Some of the withdrawal
symptoms are:
- Cravings to smoke
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
Nicotine Replacement
Therapy
According to the American Heart
Association, nicotine replacement therapies are successful when used
in smoking cessation programs. Nicotine replacement therapy is considered
to be safe and is usually available in either nicotine gum or nicotine
patches.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine chewing
gum provides a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms
experienced when smoking is stopped. It also serves as a substitute
to the physical act of smoking.
Nicotine gum should be chewed but not swallowed. Usually treatment
is started by chewing one piece of gum every 1-2 hours at first, or
whenever you have the urge to smoke. The gum should be chewed slowly
until the nicotine can be felt or tingling is felt.
It is recommended to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine gum used
after 2-3 months. Doing this will help prevent nicotine-withdrawal
symptoms.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches, which are available under several brand names as
with nicotine gum, are designed to help quit smoking by reducing the
craving for tobacco. Each adhesive patch contains a specific amount
of nicotine embedded in a pad or gel.
Prescription
Drugs
There are also in the market prescription
drugs, approved by the FDA, that have been developed to help quit
smoking. Some of these drugs are nicotine free and are available in
capsules that are taken daily.
Some of the effects of these drugs
are cutting the pleasure of smoking and reducing the withdrawal symptoms
that lead smokers to start smoking again.
Counseling
Another treatment available to
people that wish to stop smoking is counseling. This type of treatment
is now included in Medicare and many health insurance plans.
Counseling sessions are usually
performed one-on-one with a psychologist, nurse or counselor.
