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Best Methods to Quit Smoking
There are countless methods available to aid people quit smoking. Some are effective, others less so and some are utterly ludicrous. But, just because some methods do not work for some people, does not mean they cannot be effective for many others.
Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult addiction-breaking processes that anyone can go through. Nicotine and tobacco are very addictive substances that can take months or even years to truly get out of a person's system. Even after quitting some smokers say they continue to have urges to start smoking again and many people do give in months after they have managed to quit.
The most common method of to quit smoking is good old fashioned cold turkey. This is most often done by setting a date to quit, preparing oneself for that day and then using your brute willpower to overcome your desire to smoke. Of the many ways there are to quit, studies suggest cold turkey has about a 1 in 20 chance of success.
There have been many quitting aids developed over the years. First came nicotine replacement therapies followed by Zyban and now we have Champix. All of these treatments are popular in their own right. It is important to understand about the pros and cons of each treatment for smoking cessation before make choice about which one is for you.
Nicotine replacement therapies (Nicotine gums, patches, lozenges, etc)
Active ingredient: Nicotine
Pros- Contains lesser amount of nicotine than cigarettes
- You do not feel in denial as you still have nicotine
- You do not experience many withdrawal symptoms
Cons- Less or more, it does contain nicotine
- Nicotine gums can be addictive
- Smoking when on these therapies can be dangerous
Zyban
Active ingredient: Bupropion
Pros- Unlike nicotine replacement therapies, it does not replace one form of nicotine for another
Cons- Dangerous side effects such as seizures
- Principle behind its working is not found
- It is not as effective as Champix
Champix
Active ingredient: Varenicline
Pros- Like Zyban, it does not contain nicotine
- Champix is two times more effective than Zyban and four times more than quitting cold turkey
- It works by binding to nicotine receptors in brain more strongly than nicotine
- It reduces withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings and makes smoking unpleasant
Cons- As Champix is a prescription drug, it is not free from side effects
- Champix can also be considered expensive if you compare it with other smoking cessation treatments
In broader terms, the best way to quit smoking is simply any method that works for you. Everyone is different and will find a different solution for them. Some people can simply walk away from cigarettes at a moments notice and never touch them again. However, the average smoker who quits will take seven attempts over several years to achieve their goal of becoming smoke free. The point is, the best way to quit smoking is by using the method that works for you.
About the Author This article was submitted by James Kirby who writes on health related matters. It is possible to have Champix prescribed following a secure online consultation with a GMC registered doctor. For the latest information on quitting smoking, please visit http://www.prima-med.com
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