Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that affects the body and brain. Additionally, the long-term effects of smoking may include emphysema and lung cancer. Smoking can also make your teeth, eyes and fingernails yellow. Quitting smoking cold turkey can be difficult, but products like nicotine gum and nicotine patches can help you quit. As your body adjusts to lower levels of nicotine, you will eventually be able to get through the day without having the overpowering urge to smoke.
Step 1
Remove cigarettes from the house. Throw away or give away your cigarettes so you are not tempted to smoke them. If possible, avoid driving by the convenience store or drugstore where you typically buy cigarettes.
Step 2
Keep your hands and mouth occupied. Chew on a pen or chewing gum to prevent the desire to smoke cigarettes. Rather than eating candy or other unhealthy snacks, cut up carrot and celery sticks to munch on.
Step 3
Join a smokers' support group. A support group can help you find strength in numbers while quitting smoking, and create a forum to vent your frustrations. To find a support group in your area, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345.
Step 4
Purchase an over-the-counter nicotine gum. Nicotine gum is available to individuals 18 and over at grocery stores and drugstores. Nicotine gum provides a regular dose of nicotine that can be chewed when cigarette cravings occur. When nicotine is separated from smoking cigarettes, it can be tapered down slowly to prevent nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Step 5
Consult a doctor for prescription nicotine replacement therapy or hypnosis. Your doctor can prescribe nicotine patches, inhalers or other smoking-cessation aids like varenicline and clonidine, which decrease withdrawal symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, a doctor may be able to perform hypnosis to help reduce cigarette cravings.
Tips and Warnings
- Regular exercise may help some individuals quit smoking, states the Mayo Clinic.
- Do not smoke cigarettes if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
Things You'll Need
- Chewing gum
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine inhalers
- Varenicline
- Clonidine
