I want to stop smoking. Help me quit smoking. This is a statement that most of us have repeated over again. Although there are many avenues to take, what is the best quit smoking way? Well a reasonable plan that is easy to stick with, offers a better success rate so you can kick the habit for good. Nicotine is very addictive. It gives you a feeling of calmness which provides a sense of pleasure. So its understandable why its difficult to quit smoking. This article will aid you in how to quit smoking and offer suggestions to the best smoking products. So here we go.

Quit smoking..Why?

Smoking is very damaging to the lungs, skin, and over all body. Smoking increases heart rate, blood pressure, carbon monoxide levels in the blood, and makes you more susceptible to strokes and lung cancer among other things. Smoking takes years off your life and is becoming an increasingly expensive habit. However studies have shown that thirty-minutes after quitting cigarettes, normal body functions begins to return to normal. If cold turkey fails, cut down on how much you smoke daily. This decreases the amount of nicotine cravings you seek until eventually you quit. Only a few are successful with this method while others will need a bit more help.

Nicotine Patch

Nicotine patches is a great alternative. They are self adhesive and is okay if worn while bathing or swimming. Nicotine patches come in three different milligrams that releases a steady flow of nicotine in the bloodstream all day. Depending on the amount of cigarettes you smoke determines the milligrams you begin with. As you go thru the program, you move to the next lowest patch until the patch is not needed any longer. Apply one patch daily. Remember not to smoke while using the patch, you can over-dose on nicotine This is an expensive product if you are buying out-of-pocket but, you can get a script from your doctor. Insurance companies are starting to cover more stop smoking aids, so you might or might not have a co-pay. (depending on your insurance)

Pill form

The drug Chantix is fairly new to the market. It has had pretty good reviews according to my research. You're instructed to pick a quit date and begin taking the drug one week before that date. It is usually taken once a day and is available by prescription only. The beautiful thing about this med is when taking Chantix, it blocks the feelings nicotine gives you when smoking thus making cigarettes much less pleasurable. This is a 12 week program (depending on your situation). Along with behavior alteration the success rate with this drug is outstanding.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine Gum is what helped me quit smoking. At the time I was working long hours at a local hospital. The smoke area for employees relocated off the premises because of the new law enforcement for all medical facilities. By the time I walked to the smoke area my break was almost up! It became a hassle walking back and forth so I decided to give them up. I needed a little help so the gum was a good alternative for me. Nicotine gum comes in 2 and 4 milligrams and has a variety of flavors. Never chew like regular gum though (I learned the hard way), simply chew down a couple of times then place the gum in between the side of the cheek and gums. Nicotine releases when you feel a tingling feeling or a pepper like taste in your mouth. Try to move the gum from one side to the other ever so often. After about an hour or so, you can dispose of the gum depending on if the tingling feeling and pepper taste is no longer. Use anytime you have the urge. There are a couple of over the counter brands sold at your local drug store.

Recommendation

Set a date for when you want to quit smoking and stick to it. Get rid of all lighters and ashtrays. Stay active. Think about how many years you can add to your life and how much healthier you will feel. Avoid places where you know there will be smoking. It also helps to have support from family and friends. Friends and family will be more supportive knowing that you are serious about giving up the smokes. Everything is possible once you set your mind to it. Never give up on your journey and you will be on your way to a longer healthier life.