Top Five Ways to Quit Smoking

Not only does smoking affect the health of those that smoke, it affects those around the smoker who are surrounded by the second hand smoke. Quitting smoking can be difficult but it is a goal that many who conquer it are glad to be finished the bad habit - regardless of the difficult measures that it took to quit the habit.

Zyban is the number one prescription drug to help smoker's quit. It is in the family of antidepressants and is used for treatment in depression as well as aiding in the process of quitting smoking. Zyban may take weeks in order to become an effective aid in quitting smoking, and is often prescribed to be taken a week before quitting smoking. The pills are taken three times daily for the first three days, than once daily for two days.

The nicotine patch is available at the local drug store for about twenty dollars for a package of four to six patches. The patch is to be adhered to the skin and nicotine is introduced to the body through the transdermal backing on the patch. It is important to remember to avoid smoking while on the patch. Smoking while on the patch could create dangerous side effects.

Nicorette, the stop smoking gum can help control the cravings. Although it is a gum, Nicorette comes with indication to bite the gum twice, than chew the gum to release the nicotine into the saliva. This should be repeated every minute for thirty minutes and than a new piece of gum should be used. Nicorette works best when combined with other non-medical quit smoking therapy and comes in two dosages, two and four milligrams.

Champix is the newest prescription drug to assist in the quitting smoking process and is under the classification of smoking cessation therapies. Champix works within the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting smoking. Like Zyban, Champix therapy should be started one to two weeks before the actual quit date.

Many smokers choose to use natural methods to quit smoking. Herbs and supplements are available at many of the local health food stores. Herbs combined with therapies such as massage, hypnotism and acupuncture can supplement the herbal therapy in the quest to become a non-smoker.

Deciding on one method of quitting smoking is important. A smoker who is trying to quit smoking should not be doing so without consulting a health professional if using pharmaceutical intervention - and two smoking cessation therapies should not be used at the same time. Using two methods at the same time can cause dangerous nicotine levels within the body and lead to serious side effects.

Willpower is necessary, regardless of the medication or supplement chosen to quit smoking. Smoking has been a part of every smoker's lives and has become integral in their daily routine. With smoking cessation therapy and intent to quit smoking and be on the road to better health, a brighter, smoke free future can be in the horizon!