Methods on How to Quit Smoking

If you have ever been a smoker, you’ll understand how hard it is to give up the smoking habit. Generally, those who have managed to give up smoking will admit that it took them several attempts before they were successful. So many resources and methods out there lay claim to know best how to quit smoking, but how many of these methods really work? Let's take a look at some of these how to quit smoking methods.

How to Quit Smoking Method #1: Quit Cold Turkey

This is one of the most popular options to try and stop smoking. All it is, is just stopping abruptly without the assistance of any chemical aids at all. It is a very well tried method, it is a quit smoking naturally solution, but it is not necessarily the most successful one.

The addictive nature of nicotine in cigarettes has a very strong hold on the smoker. This highly addictive drug, like any other drug, causes withdrawal reactions in anyone who tries to give it up and the body isn't getting what it craves anymore.

With this how to quit smoking method, the withdrawal symptoms can be rather severe, lasting about two weeks after the last cigarette was smoked. The challenge is to find distractions for the smoker to try and divert his from these symptoms when they occur. For many people, this is the most difficult part of quitting smoking and some find the cravings too hard to resist so they revert to smoking again.

How to Quit Smoking Method #2: Substitution

Many people believe that substitution is the best way to give up smoking. This just means that smoking is replaced with another activity or behavior. Some people suck on hard candy or they chew gum whenever they get the urge to smoke. They believe that this how to quit smoking method can satisfy their nicotine craving by giving their mouth something to do besides smoke. Others find that substituting exercise for smoking can give relief. When the craving for a cigarette hits, a good run or a spell on an exercise bike helps.

How to Quit Smoking Method #3: Patches and Medication

If you plan on using this method, it's a good idea to see your doctor first. Your doctor can prescribe to you the right medication that can reduce the effects of your withdrawal symptoms. Medications sometimes do not work because you'll need to take into account that there is a psychological dependency to contend with that comes with smoking, and not just the chemical dependency.

A popular how to quit smoking method is the nicotine patch. Nicotine patches give you the option of gradually decreasing the amount of nicotine is absorbed by your body after you stop smoking. This helps to minimize the withdrawal symptoms while your body accustoms itself to less and less nicotine.

There is no one answer as to which method is the best how to quit smoking method. A way that works for one person may not work at all for you. You have to evaluate your own specific needs and determine what is the best how to quit smoking method you should use.