Since quitting smoking is known to be difficult, many individuals end up trying to stop smoking with stop smoking aids. There are many stop smoking aids on the market, including the patch, the pill, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, and natural remedies.
The most widely known and perhaps most popular of the various stop smoking aids is the nicotine patch. It is available over the counter in the pharmacy. Designed to deliver a dose of nicotine via a patch, it is intended to lessen withdrawal symptoms while the individual tries to stop smoking.
The nicotine patch can be an invaluable aid to smokers dealing with the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including anxiousness, nervousness, irritableness, sleeplessness, headache, and cravings. The patch cannot eliminate all of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, but there is evidence that it can alleviate some of them effectively. In order to succeed, one must wear the patch every day for approximately three months. It’s said that one out of every five smokers is able stop smoking using the patch if they are committed to quitting. However, some people experience side effects such as skin irritation and difficulty with sleeping.
A popular and well known stop smoking aid is the pill, otherwise known as bupropion or Zyban. This prescription drug and antidepressant pill is actually for those individuals who are depressed. However, it has been proven that this pill also helps smokers trying to quit smoking by suppressing symptoms of withdrawal. In fact, some studies show that Zyban is twice as effective as a nicotine patch. In any case, it is easy to use and non-addictive. Side effects of Zyban include trouble sleeping and a dry mouth. It is certainly worth a try.
Some other options for stop smoking aids include nicotine inhalers and nicotine gum. Those who use nicotine gum find it helps you quit smoking because it occupies your mouth, so you do not feel the need for a cigarette. Many who have stopped smoking have ended up gaining weight as a result of eating more to compensate for not having a cigarette in the mouth. For those who are afraid to stop smoking because of the fear of weight gain, nicotine gum is useful. This will satisfy their cravings for nicotine during withdrawal from cigarettes. It is typically used for about three months.
The nicotine inhaler is a stop smoking aid that lets people take a dose of nicotine whenever they feel the need. This mimics the effects of smoking and makes the transition between smoking and not smoking a little bit easier for quitters. There are side effects, though, including throat and mouth irritation.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that no matter which stop smoking aids a person uses, they are only effective when the person is committed to quitting. Their effectiveness is determined by how dedicated a person is to stopping smoking. The only true way a smoker will be able to stop smoking is their own inner drive and motivation. While aids like patches, pills, gum, and inhalers that contain nicotine can help people quit, nothing will help a smoker stop for good except for their desire to stop smoking.
