Smoking is the "single greatest avoidable cause of disease and death," according to the Surgeon General. Smoking harms every major organ in the body. It is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, lung disease, peripheral vascular disease and stillborn, premature and low-birth-weight babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If you want to quit, you have several options. It may take you several attempts, but if you are committed, you can eventually quit for good.
Abstinence
People have successfully quit "cold turkey," using no aids other than perhaps gum or hard candy as substitutes. These smokers are highly motivated to quit. This is a difficult method for most. Many people find they need the support of nicotine patches or other adjuncts to help them through withdrawal.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy allows the smoker who has quit to get his nicotine via patches, lozenges, inhalers, nasal spray or chewing gum. The former smoker can then gradually wean himself from the substitutes. Replacement therapy is recommended for approximately three months. Doctors advise patients to never sneak a smoke while using a replacement, as it can cause a potentially dangerous nicotine overdose.
Other Medications
Other medications, such as varenicline and bupropion, can help a smoker through withdrawal by working on the area of the brain affected by nicotine. These drugs reduce the craving for nicotine, but how is unclear. They carry some risk and should be monitored by a medical professional. They work best when used in conjunction with a behavioral modification program that helps identify triggers for smoking.
References
- The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Office of the Surgeon General. 2006
- FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products
- Quit Smoking Products. Mayo Clinic. 2010
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy. National Institute of Health. s010
- Pregnant? Don't Smoke. Center for Disease Control. 2010
