Best Options for Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things people will ever find themselves doing. Many people try time and again to quit, only to find that despite their best efforts, they go back to smoking. 

Why is it so difficult to quit? In many cases, people make the decision to quit smoking cold turkey, meaning they don’t have the help they need in order to do so successfully. If you have found yourself in this predicament more than once, you might be glad to know that there are actually several options available to you that can help you quit smoking for good. 

Below are five of the best options. This gives you the chance to choose the options or a combination of options that work best for you personally.

1. Nicotine patch

If you are tired of dealing with the cravings and the mood swings that come with cutting back on cigarettes, you might want to try using a nicotine patch to make the transition a little easier. You can get these over the counter. They are applied to the skin just like a pain relief patch, typically on the upper portion of the arm. If you plan on using one, it is imperative that you follow the directions on the package to the letter. You aren’t supposed to smoke while wearing one but as long as you follow the directions, these patches are generally thought to be safe. If you have any questions or concerns about their use, you should discuss them with your physician. 

2. Vape starter kit

Countless numbers of individuals eventually quit smoking by first turning to vape. Why does vaping work to help smokers quit? It’s largely because vaping takes the place of smoking. Those who switch will also find traveling with vape gear to be easier than they originally thought, making it a practical choice for those who smoke as a response to stress. Due to the ability to buy vape juice with varying concentrations of nicotine, the cravings can completely disappear over time. You may soon find yourself switching to zero-percent nicotine and eventually quitting the habit for good.

3. Prescription medication

If you are having an especially difficult time with quitting, you may decide that you need to work one-on-one with your doctor in order to stop smoking. There are a number of prescription medications available. One of the more widely used medications is varenicline, sold under the name Chantix, but that is certainly not the only option available to you. Your best course of action here is to work with your doctor and see which medications work best for you, all while causing the fewest side effects.

4. Counseling

Some people can barely stand the thought of talking to a mental health professional and others can’t dream of quitting smoking without doing so. If you are inclined to talk to someone who can help you work through things, don’t hesitate to do exactly that. On the other hand, you might be quite horrified at the very idea of doing such a thing but you should still consider the possibility. This is a form of treatment that can prove to be rather successful, especially if you use it in conjunction with some of the other options listed herein.

5. Chew nicotine gum

These days, they make both gum and lozenges that you can use when you find yourself in a real pinch. Just like the patches, you can purchase them over the counter and use them when the cravings are at their worst. The most important thing to remember here is that you should always follow the directions on the package when using any of these products. 

If you really want to quit smoking, you can use the combination of these five products or techniques that work best for you. Even if you have tried and failed in the past, you can dramatically increase your chances of success by taking advantage of the tools you have at your disposal.