Best quit smoking method. Serious answers only please.?


Question:
I'm 35 and have smoked since I was 14. I want to quit but haven't found the will power. Its not so much cravings for nicotine that get me but the habit of having something in my hands and something to do constantly. I need to quit for me and my family but HOW? Anyone tried anything besides patches and gum that actually helped you quit??

Answers:
I have tried it all! The last thing I used to help me quit is a hypnotist. Though, it is not the answer if you are not ready to quit. I actually felt like I wasn't hypnotized, but the guy put alot of things in perspective and I realized how stupid of a habit it was.

Don't get me wrong the first week is hard, but it really does get easier. Some local hospitals have free programs you can sign up for.
Do alot of research on quitting methods. Really look at some gross pics of smokers' lungs and things that WILL happen to you iif you continue to smoke.
Some good websites:

GOOD LUCK!
I just want to let you know that I feel great now. I can breathe better and I don't smell bad anymore. I felt like I was a slave to cigarettes and now I am free!

Other Answers:
Get some color photographs of people who have lung cancer. Put one in you wallet, one at your work place and one in your closet. Look at these pictures everyday. Tell your children that's what your lungs are going to look like or may already look like. Ask your children if they are ready to lose you because the pleasure you receive from smoking is more important than they are.

i quit cold turkey, it's hard but worth it. good luck take the patches, chew gum to keep your mouth busy, carry something around to keep your hands busy, exercise. Worked for me. 8 years now.


well, my dad was a big time smoker a long time ago and my mom will always tell him to stop especially because we were children and it was bad for us so instead of smoking he would eat candy i guess to distract him from smoking and he stopped ever since, i was so proud of him


HOW TO GIVE UP A-Z of giving up methods

A-Z of giving up methods
Read about the A-Z of giving up methods from Acupuncture to Zyban. There's more than one way to give up so choose the one that feels right for you.


Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves needles being inserted into key pressure points on various parts of the body. The process is not painful and patients are then left to relax for half an hour or so. The needles are then removed except for two tiny ones which remain in the ear. The idea is to touch an ear lobe when a craving comes on. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping people give up, but some smokers have found it valuable.
Cold turkey
Stopping without any kind of aid. Although physical symptoms can be more extreme in the early few days, they fade away within the first two or three weeks. Most people give up smoking using this method.

A resolve to get fit can be a great way to help you, go to Getting fit for life for more advice and information.
Email motivator
Sign up for regular email messages tailored to specific points in your recovery to update you on the progress your body is making and give you plenty of reasons to stay strong if you're tempted to give in.
Hypnotherapy
Although nicotine is a physically addictive drug, smoking also has many psychological associations. Hypnotherapy tries to alter the subconscious mind's dependence on smoking as a habit. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in helping people give up, but some smokers have found it valuable.
Laser treatment
This is a new treatment developed by a former smoker, which uses a painless, low-powered laser to stimulate energy points on the body. These in turn stimulate production of endorphins - the body's natural pain relief chemicals - and, theoretically, relieve nicotine cravings. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of laser treatment in helping people give up.
NHS Smoking Helpline
The NHS Smoking Helpline is an excellent source of practical advice and support on smoking and giving up. Friendly helpline advisers can also provide details of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service, and information packs. Lines are open daily from 7am - 11pm, with specialist advisers available from 10am - 11pm. Call 0800 169 0 169 (for deaf and hard of hearing people, please use textphone 0800 169 0 171).

Alternatively, if you would like specialist advice relating to smoking and pregnancy, call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 9 169. Lines are open daily 12 noon - 9pm.

NHS Stop Smoking Services
Evidence shows that you're more likely to stop smoking for good if you get the right support. Local NHS Stop Smoking Services offer free, specialist advice tailored to your individual needs. Most services offer both group sessions and one-to-one support, and can help you get nicotine gum and patches on prescription.

Find your NHS Stop Smoking Service. Alternatively, call 0800 169 0 169 or text GIVE UP with your full postcode to 88088.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Now available on prescription, NRT is clinically proven to be twice as effective as the cold turkey method. NRT eases withdrawal symptoms while the smoker gets used to not smoking and the dose is gradually reduced. For the best results, follow the instructions carefully and consult your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure about anything. NRT is available in many forms allowing you to choose which will suit you best.


Patches: discreet and easy to use, patches work by releasing a steady dose of nicotine into the blood stream, via the skin. Some patches are intended to be worn during the day only and other "24-hour" patches are designed for 24-hour use in order to help stave off early morning cravings. Patches should be applied to a hairless part of your body such as your upper arm but don't use in the same place two days running. You shouldn't smoke while your patch is on or use any other form of NRT unless advised by your GP. A week's supply of patches costs in the region of £15, although you can now ask your GP to make it available to you on prescription.


Gum: gum allows you to control your nicotine dose. Learning to chew the gum properly is important. The idea is to chew gently until you get the flavour and then "park" the gum in your cheek so that nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.


Nasal spray: this is the strongest form of NRT and is a small bottle of nicotine solution, which is sprayed directly into the nose. Absorbed faster than any other kind of NRT, this can help heavier smokers, especially where other forms of NRT have failed.


Microtab: the microtab is a small white tablet which you put underneath your tongue and leave. It works by being absorbed into the lining of the mouth.


Lozenge: is like a sweet that you suck slowly. It gives you nicotine in a similar way to the microtab.


Inhalator: is a plastic device shaped like a cigarette with a nicotine cartridge fitted into it. Sucking on the mouthpiece releases nicotine vapour, which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. Inhalators are useful for people who miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking


NRT is generally safe for everyone to use and certainly much safer than smoking. However, if you are pregnant or suffering from a heart condition, you should consult your GP first. For more information about NRT products, see the following product manufacturers' sites:

http://www.nicotinell.co.uk
http://www.nicorette.co.uk
http://www.niquitin.co.uk
Publications
A range of self-help materials are available that provide information and advice on stopping smoking - from the physical side-effects to details about health problems and smoking related disease. You can download some of the most popular resources, or order from the full range of resources free of charge.
Together
Together is a new programme designed to help you stop smoking. We'll support you every step of the way with information packs, texts, emails and call backs throughout the giving up process. Learn more about Together
Zyban (buproprion)
Zyban is one of the newest drugs to the market and is available on prescription. It works by suppressing the part of the brain that gives the smoker a nicotine buzz when smoking a cigarette. The smoker starts taking Zyban before giving up, and the drug puts them off cigarettes, because they no longer get the "hit". It reduces the cravings as well as the usual withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, sweating and irritability. Some users of Zyban have reported unpleasant side effects such as nausea, headaches, dry mouth and blurred vision. Zyban is not recommended if you are pregnant, breast feeding, have a history of epilepsy, liver disease or an eating disorder. Early findings show it to be highly effective, but for maximum effect it should be used as part of an overall give-up smoking plan.

Stop
Giving up smoking is a big step, so try these tips from other smokers who have given up successfully.

Set a goal each day to make it through without smoking
If you tell yourself you're quitting for good it may be too overwhelming to think about. So promise "I won't smoke today" and you'll be amazed at how much that helps you through. The key is to take one day at a time.

Stay away from your triggers
Coffee, tea and alcohol are well-known triggers for smokers. So if you find they weaken your resolve, avoid them completely or drink fruit juice, water or decaffeinated versions instead. Tip: If you're tempted to smoke, try drinking grapefruit juice - it makes cigarettes taste disgusting.

Reward yourself!
One of the great side-effects of stopping smoking is the extra money. It can soon build up and even be equal to a decent pay-rise. So treat yourself to a CD, some perfume, clothes, a magazine subscription, or how about putting the extra money aside each week for a holiday? It's good to have something to show for your efforts and it will spur you on.

Day 1:
Well done, the start of a better life! By the end of today, your blood pressure will have returned to normal and the carbon monoxide will have been eliminated from your body. Remember to breathe deeply through a craving and drink lots of water.
Day 2:
After two days nicotine is no longer detectable in the body. Withdrawal symptoms are likely to peak today and tomorrow so keep really focused and determined. Remind yourself that your skin is getting warmer and that your sense of taste and smell are improving.
Day 3:
You may go through the worst period of withdrawal today but be strong and remind yourself that once this is over, symptoms gradually decrease and fade away. In three weeks time, physical withdrawal should be a thing of the past. Keep busy, keep focused.
Day 4:
You may be feeling restless and empty. This is your body craving nicotine and it is easy to confuse with physical hunger. Drink as much water as you can and keep healthy snacks to hand. Try going for a quiet walk in the park or going to the gym for a workout.
Day 5:
By now, your breathing will be easier, your skin and eyes should be clearer and you should already feel your energy levels improving. Try and get into the habit of relaxing, morning and night, using a relaxation technique.
1 week:
Sleeping patterns should return to normal. You may find you have a sore throat and are coughing more than usual as your lungs do their job and reject the tar and debris that has accumulated over the years.
2 weeks:
Blood vessels all over your body are beginning to open up again and your circulation is starting to improve. It will continue to do so for the next few months and your energies will quickly rise.

Instant substitutes:
✔ Put a piece of nicotine gum,
a nicotine microtab or a
nicotine lozenge in your mouth.
✔ Call the NHS Smoking Helpline on
0800 169 0 169.
✔ Brush your teeth and remind
yourself how much cleaner your
breath is now you’ve given up.
✔ Sip slowly on a glass of water or
fruit juice.
✔ Chew a glucose tablet – they can
release chemicals in the brain which
make you feel good.
✔ Give your hands something to do –
play with a stress toy or a pencil.
✔ Breathe deeply for a few minutes.
✔ Go for a walk.
✔ Think about what you have already
achieved by giving up – a healthier
body, cleaner hair and clothes, fresher
breath, more cash etc.
✔ Cut a straw into cigarette-sized pieces
and inhale fresh air.
If you’ve got more time:
✔ Have a shower or a bath.
✔ Read a book or treat yourself to
a magazine.
✔ Count up how much money
you’ve saved since giving up.
✔ Do some exercise.
✔ Clean your house or flat.
✔ Write a letter or send an email.
✔ Go somewhere where you can’t
smoke, like the cinema.
✔ Cook yourself something special
and savour every mouthful.
✔ Do a crossword or puzzle.
✔ Remind yourself about the medical
conditions which smoking can
contribute to: cancer, leukaemia,
aortic aneurysm, stroke, bronchitis
and emphysema, pneumonia,
stomach ulcers, Crohn’s disease,
osteoporosis, cataracts, male
erectile problems and diabetes.
Long-term distractions:
✔ Take up a hobby that keeps your
hands busy, such as painting or
learning a musical instrument.
✔ Plan how you’re going to spend the
money you’ve saved – 20 cigarettes a
day can cost almost £1,600 a year.
✔ Decorate your home and get rid of
the nicotine stains on your walls and
ceilings.
✔ Take up a sport and enjoy how much
fitter you are.
✔ Join a Stop Smoking group through
your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.




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