Cigarettes Helps you Cope?

by Sara Mendez

In my job, I’ve helped a lot of people quit smoking. And I’ve heard a lot of reasons why smoking is a good thing.

I’ve been told smoking sharpens your mind, relaxes you, calms you, keeps you from yelling at the kids (or spouse), tastes good with coffee, tastes better after a meal. In short, makes you feel “better”. (I always ask “better than what”?)

I know you don’t really believe these reasons, or why would you be trying to stop smoking. Still, a part of you DOES believe these reasons.

The obvious and overlooked part is you must have a strong reason to continue smoking or you would have already stopped. By the way, there is no law that says your reason to keep smoking has to make any logical sense. It rarely does.

Almost all of the reasons you continue smoking can easily be proven wrong. Example: Maybe smoking helps you relax during work breaks because you get away and go outside to do it.

Most of the time you KNOW the reason doesn’t make sense. That doesn’t change the craving though, does it? Just one more one more reason in your list of reasons to quit. A list that doesn’t have much chance against the well-rooted cravings to smoke.

It all comes down to two things. The belief that smoking will make you feel better and what you’re trying to feel better than. That’s it.

If you’re hungry you feel like eating. If you’re tired, you feel like sleeping. If you feel bad (stressed, over-burdened, upset, alone, whatever…) you want to feel good. And, whatever your mind has learned feels good, you feel like doing.

This is an only slightly simplified explanation of a craving. Most smokers have more than one type of craving like, the ‘first thing in the morning’ craving feels different than the ‘after lunch’ craving. But the same model applies.

SO, how do you change these things? I can write on and on about this (and I have on my web site) It will come down to changing the feelings, motivations and beliefs involved.

First, the ‘bad feeling’ side of things needs to be addressed. If it’s too much stress, get it managed, if it’s a situation that makes you lonely, do what you can to fix it, or look for help.

Second, you belief that smoking helps you feel good (it’s probably the innocent mistake that smoking equals being an adult, in control, strong, capable, etc…) In truth, a cigarette is a plant leaf and chemicals wrapped in paper. The good feeling you’re anticipating from smoking is created by your mind. YOU make yourself feel better when you smoke. So it only makes sense that you can make yourself feel good by doing something that is healthy. If, your mind believes it makes you feel good.

And there’s the trick for most people. Successfully quitting smoking is much easier after changing these emotional connections. People don’t often think of this. That is why the success rate of medication and nicotine replacement alone is so poor. The only current exception is Chantix and even Pfizer, the makers of Chantix, recommend behavior modification along with their medication.

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This post was written by Sara Mendez on January 5, 2009

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Simple Steps to Stress Relief

by Patrick Glancy, BCH

Now is the only time that is important. Many people get caught up in their day to day lives and focus on the future which can bring about anxiety or stress. Stress can cause many problems such as concentration issues, lack of good judgment, negativity and lack of productivity. The best way to combat these feelings of stress is through relaxation. Relaxation plays in a key roll in leading a healthy happy life. Relaxation takes as little as ten minutes a day and can be as simple as breathing exercises, or as challenging as a kick boxing class, the choice is yours.

Relaxation can happen anywhere, at work, at home or on a little deserted island off the coast of Mexico. Unfortunately not everyone can take a nice vacation to that dream island or a seven year sabbatical. Many need to learn to relax in the comfort of their own homes and lives. The key is to find something you enjoy and teach your mind to relax when you do it.

There are many ways in which you can relax. Finding your method is really your biggest obstacle, but it is easy, just think about what you enjoy most. Maybe you like listening to music, reading, meditating or walking. Any of these activities can be a relaxation method and can be scaled down to as little as ten minutes.

Something simple like watching TV, listening to music, surfing the web and reading offer a break from regular day to day situations. Books can create a world completely different from your own as can a good movie or song. Each of these activities help your mind escape into a visually exciting place.

Learning to control your breathing and meditation can be a little more complicated since you must learn these techniques in order for them to work properly. Meditation can help you learn to reflect on situations and to control your breathing to calm your mind. These techniques need to be mastered and exercised in order to achieve the maximum result. Once you have achieved your goal, you can relax at the drop of a hat and find inner control in as little as ten minutes.

The gym or fitness classes have an appeal to many as well. Some like to run, walk or lift weights in order to relax. Others might prefer a cycling, kick boxing or tai chi class. Running and walking burn off built up energy and are a great stress reliever, however not everyone wants to run a marathon. For them there are other classes and their purpose is relaxation, such as yoga. Many people choose to skip the classes and gym all together and simply walk their dogs in the park which offers equally as much stress relief.

Your body will tell you what it likes and what it doesn’t like, you just need to learn to listen. Take note of what worked and what didn’t while you were practicing different relaxing techniques. If one doesn’t work don’t be afraid to try a different approach. Make sure to keep yourself motivated by reminding yourself you will be healthier and happier in the end and think how nice it is to do something enjoyable.

Teaching your body something new is always a challenge, however once you get the hang of it, it is like riding a bike, your body won’t forget how. It is important to find an activity which you enjoy and know you will stick with, but you must make a conscious effort to remind and train your body to relax while performing this task. It may take time, but in the end the rewards will be fantastic for your mind, body and lifestyle.

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This post was written by Sara Mendez on December 31, 2008

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How to Make a Cigarette Habit

by Sara Mendez

Pretend you or someone you know has a bad habit. A big bad monkey on your back. How did it get there? How did it start? Probably a combination of three things; emotions, authority figures, and repetition.

Let’s use an example.

Let’s just use a younger you for the example, 10-14 years old. And for this example, let’s use the habit of smoking. If you don’t smoke…. replace the word “smoking” with any craving you get, or just pretend you smoke? It is an article about smoking after all.

When you were in that age range we can assume you were learning about your life and how you fit into it. You may not have felt as sure about yourself.

You may have felt self-conscious, dependent on others, powerless, not good enough, or just not as capable as you would have liked to feel. Let’s call this feeling “bad”. Now, this doesn’t mean you felt miserable, but, did you feel as “good” as you wanted to feel? Did you feel as “good” as you believed other people felt?

Possibly, (probably) not. Which would mean you wanted to feel better, or at least as good as you thought other people feel. What would make you feel better? That depends on the influences in your life to that point.

Maybe you had authority figures in your young life that smoked, like parents, relatives, friends, advertisements, role models. At this point in your life, smoking would have been seen as tough, strong, independent, self-assured, unique, “good”. Repetitively exposed to the thing you felt your life lacked.

This would create a desire (craving) in you to do this thing. A belief that smoking is what your life is missing. And not just in a “knowing” way, but a “feeling” way as well, which is much more powerful.

Then at some point you tried your first cigarette, and DID feel better. But you were not very good at smoking yet and since it made you feel better, you practiced it until you were good at it.

As life continues you come across situations that make you feel “bad” again and do what you’ve been taught makes you feel “good”. That is repeated emotions and practice and you have a strong habit.

If you’ve tried to stop smoking before, you may have already thought of these things. And you’ve spent time thinking and analyzing your habit. But, you didn’t learn this habit by thinking and analyzing, so why would trying to quit smoking that way?

It is a lot easier to quit smoking with the same methods you started smoking with. A “hypnotized” state of mind combined with emotions, authority figures and repetition. Often called modern hypnosis.

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This post was written by Patrick Glancy, BCH on December 29, 2008

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Quit Smoking and Surgery

by Patrick Glancy, BCH

Surgery is complicated enough without all the side effects. Typically there are pages of consent forms to sign listing everything that could go wrong. Surgery, whether elective or required is something many will face at some point in their lives. Patients should understand many complications can not be foreseen. However there is one complication that can be avoided and it is in the patient’s control and that is smoking.

Surgery is something many patients will face at some point in their lives, whether elective or required. There are certain protocols in place for patients to follow before surgery such as no food twelve hours before surgery and nothing to drink. However, many physicians and anesthesiologists require their patients to quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery.

Anesthesiologyinfo.com explains some of the serious side effects smoking can have on the body during surgery. The heart will not function properly because smoking increases carbon monoxide causing the blood to not properly circulate. Carbon monoxide will also attach itself to hemoglobin in the blood which will decrease the amount of oxygen flowing through the blood and body. Nicotine makes the body need more oxygen which will put more stress on the heart, lungs and body which is already under distress from the anesthesia.

With surgery, the body is under stress and therefore prone to infections, especially lung infections. However if you are a smoker, the lungs are even more susceptible to collapse. The small airways do not function as they should because of smoke and nicotine which makes them collapse. Mucus production increases because of smoking and the lungs are not able to clear it as quickly as they should because of anesthesia, making the patient more prone to serious lung infections such as pneumonia and chronic coughing. Bronchospsams and other infections in the lungs can be fatal and should be taken seriously. Smoking has been linked to dozens of other side effects, ranging from heart attacks to poor wound healing by as many as six times more in smokers versus non smokers.

Leading a healthier life and having a successful surgery is something all doctors wish for their patients. Doctors do not want their patient to have complications before, during or after surgery. This is why they ask for smokers to at least take a break before going under any anesthesia. Making smoking secession a top priority is something all patients should be doing, regardless if they are having surgery or not.

There are many ways for patients to quit smoking. Some of the more common treatments are over the counter, such as the nicotine patch and gum. There are other homeopathic treatments as well such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and hypnosis. While others choose to quit, by using prescriptions such as Zyban and Wellbutrin. Often treatments are combined so the patient is as successful as they can be.

The most important thing to do is talk with your physician and discuss your options and find out which plan will suit you best. Since there are many choices and options available to help you quit, there can be no more excuses. Do not wait until you need major surgery before trying to quit, quit before you get there.

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This post was written by Sara Mendez on December 27, 2008

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Effective Stop Smoking Aids

by Al Cecil

Giving up smoking is notoriously difficult to do, so many people use stop smoking aids to try to make it a little bit easier. Many of these aids are available, including nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, pills, and homeopathic remedies.

The most widely known and perhaps most popular of the various stop smoking aids is the nicotine patch. It is available over the counter in the pharmacy. Designed to deliver a dose of nicotine via a patch, it is intended to lessen withdrawal symptoms while the individual tries to stop smoking.

Many smokers suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they are quitting smoking. These symptoms may include things like headaches, cravings, tiredness, short tempers, and increased anxiety. Using a patch can help alleviate these symptoms, especially in controlling cravings. Nicotine patches can be used to deliver nicotine doses to those trying to stop smoking. To be effective, they must be used every day for about ninety days. Approximately twenty percent of dedicated quitters can stop smoking with the aid of a nicotine patch. Nicotine patches can cause skin irritation and difficulty sleeping. It is recommended that those trying to stop smoking also start therapy along with a nicotine patch to improve their odds of success.

A popular and well known stop smoking aid is the pill, otherwise known as bupropion or Zyban. This prescription drug and antidepressant pill is actually for those individuals who are depressed. However, it has been proven that this pill also helps smokers trying to quit smoking by suppressing symptoms of withdrawal. In fact, some studies show that Zyban is twice as effective as a nicotine patch. In any case, it is easy to use and non-addictive. Side effects of Zyban include trouble sleeping and a dry mouth. It is certainly worth a try.

Nicotine inhalers and nicotine gum are examples of other stop smoking aids. Nicotine gum assists people in their quest to quit by keeping their mouths busy and delivering small doses of nicotine to ward off intense cravings. Some people are hesitant to quit smoking because of the possibility of large weight gain. In such cases nicotine gum is the most useful option as helps ward off cravings without weight gain. Nicotine gum is chewed like other gums and may be used for about 12 weeks to wean off nicotine addiction.

The nicotine inhaler is a stop smoking aid that lets people take a dose of nicotine whenever they feel the need. This mimics the effects of smoking and makes the transition between smoking and not smoking a little bit easier for quitters. There are side effects, though, including throat and mouth irritation.

It is important to remember, however, that stop smoking aids can only work when individuals want them to work. That is, individuals must be fully dedicated to quitting smoking. This inner drive and motivation is the only way smokers will be able to quit smoking. Though stop smoking aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine pills, nicotine gum, and nicotine inhalers can help smokers quit, nothing can help them quit permanently except willpower.

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This post was written by Pam Johnson on December 26, 2008

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What Happens With Stop Smoking Program

by Roy Thompson

Before quitting smoking and deciding between stop smoking programs, quitters should first identify why they want to stop smoking. This helps them keep their goals in mind. Then, they should set a date at which they want to quit smoking. For example, smokers can stop smoking on the weekend if they are used to smoking during the week, or on a weekday if they are used to smoking during the weekend on their time off.

A person trying to quit smoking normally faces many challenges. One of the things to consider is what to do if a spouse continues to smoke while you are trying to quit. You must think about how to manage situations when you would normally smoke. Don’t be hesitant to tell your family and friends about your plans to quit smoking so that they can encourage your efforts.

When an individual decides to quit, they should research nicotine medication. Nicotine medication provides smokers with an alternative source of nicotine with a much less concentration of nicotine than cigarettes. This can help smokers quit smoking with fewer problems. The American Lung Association has also recommended that smokers quit smoking with the help of nicotine medication. However, smokers must usually get this medication with a doctor’s prescription. They should also research all their options before choosing between, for example, a nicotine patch and nicotine gum.

Once you stop smoking, it is normal to go through a period of nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include headaches, increased appetite and cravings, anxiety, and nervousness. Be aware that these are all normal parts of withdrawal and are usually addressed with whatever stop smoking program you select.

Nicotine medication such as nicotine gum or nicotine patches should help with these problems. However, under no circumstances should a smoker attempting to quit smoking have even just one more cigarette. They should stay away from cigarettes, using their friends and family as moral support.

Many people who try to quit smoking make two or three attempts and if they are not successful tend to get discouraged. Though quitting smoking is not easy and may require more effort on your part, it doesn’t necessarily mean that if you can’t quit initially you can’t quit at all. One needs to be dedicated and focused towards quitting smoking. Trying different stop smoking programs each time is a good idea. For example, if you tried quitting the first time using nicotine gum, then the second time you should try the patch. Being dedicated to quitting and having a real desire to quit is the most important factor, though.

If you plan on quitting smoking, recognize that the road ahead is not an easy path. However, a strong focus and one hundred percent determination and dedication along with a good stop smoking plan can help you reach your goal. Usually the stop smoking programs with the most success rates include nicotine; for example, in gum or patch form. While quitting may not be easy, if you stick to your plan you can and will succeed.

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This post was written by Mike Plesha on December 2, 2008

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Quit Smoking now with Hypnosis

by Patrick Glancy, BCH

A quality quit smoking hypnosis session can look a little complicated, if done correctly. A behavior modification process addressing a variety of aspects in your life. The nice part is you don’t have to worry about putting it together. It’s all done for you. You’re left with the job of using it to help yourself.

You know what your smoking habit is like. You know what makes your craving to smoke the strongest. You know what daily problem areas make you struggle for control the most.

A well formed hypnosis program can address your unique cravings directly. It can de-fuse the emotional triggers so they no longer happen. If you’ve fought with smoking long enough, it might be difficult to even imagine what it would feel like to NOT have a craving.

That’s good, and it can be even better. Why not use the same learning principles behind the smoking habit creation and use hypnosis to begin cravings or desires for water, exercise and fresh air? Then prepare some distractions to occupy your time and mind. The time you used to use smoking. At 5 to 10 minutes per cigarette, that time adds up. Some people would be satisfied with this much help. But, more is possible.

How about that daily stress that wants to be relieved? If you can’t smoke to relieve it, what to do? Let’s use hypnosis to relieve your stress too? Sounds good.

It would be nice to get a shot of confidence too, wouldn’t it? Some general, over-all, inner confidence using hypnosis? And, especially additional confidence that you CAN quit smoking this time, and feel good doing it. (One of the ways we learn behaviors is repetition. I’m pretty sure this isn’t your first quit smoking attempt. Did previous failed attempts create expectations for this attempt? Better fix that too.)

And just in case, you might as well use hypnosis to address your eating habits. Make sure they stay in control during your quit smoking process. Just knowing that this is one more part of the process should ease your mind.

If you have this kind of help, combined with your own desire and motivation to quit smoking, what’s stopping you? There is all kinds of help out there. Make sure you get all the pieces of the quit smoking puzzle that you need.

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The first 72 hours after quitting smoking

by Darren Warmuth

It’s the first three days that people find the most difficult regardless of the smoking cessation method they’ve chosen. This is due to the fact that it is in those 72 hours when the nicotine leaving your body is felt the greatest. This can lead to feelings of irritabililty, fatigue, and a persistent headache - all perfectly normal symptoms of withdrawal.

The good news is that if you prepare mentally for your quit day, many of the symptoms will not make you feel like you have to lock yourself in a closet. Letting friends and family members know that today is your quit day (if you feel they would be a help and not a hindrance) would be a good idea and since it’s common knowledge about how people act when they stop smoking, you may just get the to house to yourself for the day.

Also keep in mind that you will be going through these trying times and have plans to work through them, should they arise. It can really nip withdrawal symptoms in the bud. It is helpful to have made a list of what you feel you may experience for symptoms of withdrawal. Some of the things that you may want to include on your list are:

Agitated or angry: Find something to do to take your mind off things. In solitude is probably best.

Feeling overly emotional or sensitive: Seek out somewhere you can be alone until the feelings subside.

Feeling tired: Rest and healing are needed to allow myself to heal from my addiction.

Feeling nauseated: I will go outside and get some fresh air.

After I eat I will: Find something to do so I don’t crave the ‘after-dinner’ cigarette.

Drinking lots and lots of fluids, especially water, is a great way to clear the nicotine from your system as the fluids will metabolize your body’s chemical stores. Side effects, at worse, are more frequent bathroom breaks and a water-logged stomach. The upside is that the faster the nicotine leaves your system, the sooner the physical symptoms will subside.

A few things can make the withdrawal symptoms stronger rather than weaker. Caffeine may be one of those. But not for all people. Every situation is unique. Best to judge for yourself. If you are finding that caffeinated drinks are causing you cravings, you should cut down drastically or quit altogether.

However, giving up multiple vices at once can also be very stressful. So be wary and maybe just cut back on the caffeine to start. But be sure to use plenty of water, juices and even milkshakes to kick start your system and get those withdrawal symptoms out of the way.

Another common side effect of quitting smoking is the inability to fall asleep or to stay soundly asleep. Regardless of how tired you might have been throughout the day, it seems like your mind won’t shut down for the evening and comfort is nowhere to be found.

Taking a nice hot shower or a soothing bath, just prior to going to bed can be very helpful and can help you become relaxed enough to fall asleep. Normally, this will only last one or two nights at the most, but if it becomes persistent, you may want to consider taking an over-the-counter sleep aid for a night or two. Your sleeplessness won’t last for long.

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10 Early-Stage Steps To Quit Smoking

by Dana Chapman

If you are curious if anyone can quit smoking, let me inform you it can be done. You could add years to your life by deciding to stop smoking.

Here are some very important steps that have proved to work over time as a positive aid to help you stop smoking.

1. The first thing you must do is reach a conscious decision. Believing you need to stop smoking - once you have completed this, you have passed the most important step. Next you will need to choose a specific date, then stick to that date; no matter what, no excuses should be made.

2. Before the actual date, take time to get rid of everything related to cigarettes. If you have ashtrays or lighters throw them out; if you have a private stash of cigarettes or tobacco, get rid of them as well. The whole concept is to eliminate smoking from your life.

With that being said, make sure to have some fun activities lined up. If you don’t want to do healthy activities such as jogging or biking, try playing video games or read a book you enjoy.

3. Everyone knows the importance of drinking water, and that becomes even more important when you make the decision to stop smoking. In the case you do not care for water as a drink, have a drink of fruit juice or a cup or herbal tea. When you drink it go slow and steady. Your goal should be to have your mind on something other than smoking, replacing those thoughts with something more positive.

4. Make the decision to become more active, as long as as your overall health and wellness allows it. This can mean doing little things like taking a walk around the neighborhood, or making the decision to walk up the flight of stairs rather than using the escalator or elevator. Here’s is an easy step - on your next trip to the supermarket, go to the far end of the parking lot and park your car, instead of parking near the entrance. Besides making this a good quick walk to the entrance, it can possibly prevent your car from being bumped because you parked too close to someone else.

5. Be proud you have made this decision and begin to think about everything you are going to accomplish in life. There will be times where you have bad withdrawals; you should expect this to happen - it is very normal. Don’t allow these times of irritability, or urges to bump you off the path of success. You have made the wise decision to stop smoking; now follow through with your plan.

6. Change up your routine; do not go to places where you would usually go where there are cigarettes always ready and available. Do something without much thought, something that does not include smoking.

7. Stop putting it off. Don’t find excuses to keep you from improving your health by quitting smoking. Each of us faces problems in our daily lives and we cope in different ways, but these should not be used as an excuse to put off your decision to quit smoking.

8. Give yourself rewards for doing important things. Each pack of cigarettes that you do not purchase means you are saving money, so go out with a friend, or someone you love for a night out. Obviously, pick an activity that does not resolve around smoking.

9. Don’t count on junk food to satisfy your cravings for a smoke. When we quit smoking, our hands and mouth are left without their customary activity; you can be ready for this and fix up some healthy fruit and raw vegetable snacks.

10. Remember that each day becomes easier than the previous. If you crave a cigarette, consider the disadvantages of smoking, and the advantages you can have when you stop smoking.

A saying that you often hear is, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” I’d like to modify that to say, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life as a non-smoker. Take a deep breath and enjoy the treasure of life.

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Nicotine replacement therapy, will it work for me?

by Kimberley Steffano

The whole idea behind nicotine replacement therapy is that it gives your body a small amount of nicotine to help curb the cravings. This small amount helps to keep the withdrawals to a minimum. Keep in mind though that nicotine replacement therapy will cause you to go through withdrawals twice. First when you quit smoking then when you stop the therapy. You do not need to see a doctor to get this form of therapy.

Many people can find this very difficult, especially the second time around as that old familiar edgy feeling comes back and you basically have to go through a milder form of withdrawals for the next three days. People aren’t really prepared for that second wave of withdrawal and often have a hard time letting go of the nicotine replacement therapy. Those that can, have made a very important step to becoming smoke free and changing their lifestyle.

Nicotine replacement therapy comes in many varieties; the patch is the most common. Usually you will start with a higher dose and steadily decrease the dose over a 6 to 12 week period. Please note that the amount of nicotine delivered over th 24 hours often exceeds what the body can handle and can produce side affects.

The feeling of nausea and breaking out in a cold sweat is one of the side effects associated with using the patch. Often, this is an indication that the dose of the patch you are wearing is too high for your system and you can either try a lower dose patch the next day or it might be wise if you to look into a different form of nicotine replacement therapy. Although many people have used this with great success, everybody’s body chemistry is different and yours may not be adapted to this form of nicotine replacement therapy.

Now there are several forms of nicotine replacement therapy, and things have come a long way from simply just being a patch. There’s nicotine gum, that I must say has improved in flavor immensely, long gone is that pepper taste it is left lingering in your mouth. Today comes in several fruit flavors that you can actually chew without feeling like you’re going to throw up. You set your own dosing schedule, which is based on your own withdrawal symptoms.

Another therapy option is the nicotine lozenge, which you can find in a number of flavors. It delivers a low dose of nicotine to your system as it slowly dissolves in your mouth. You are in control of the dosage which you can adjust according to your withdrawals. Normally you can allow 2 to 4 hours in between tablets. You will experience some type of secondary withdrawal symptoms when you wean yourself off of them, but it’s worth it when you know that in the end you can be smoke free.

Another method of nicotine replacement therapy is the nicotine inhaler. It is a good method for anyone who needs to have something in their hand, a common problem among smokers. The inhaler sends a low dose of nicotine to your system which helps deter the cravings. I do not have first hand experience with the inhaler, but I have heard from several people who have been successful with it.

The majority of nicotine replacement therapy options is available without prescription nowadays and can easily be picked up at your corner drugstore or supermarket. The advantage would be, not having to have the added expense of going to the doctor, but you still have to expect to pay quite a bit even over the counter. And many of the products have an online support system available along with several forums, in which you can receive support from other people who are also using the product and trying to quit.

The side effects of nicotine replacement therapy can vary from insomnia to headache to nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Some of these side effects can be temporary, but if they are too much for you, you should consider lowering your dosage or changing to another form of nicotine replacement therapy. You might also want to try a non-nicotine based medication.

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