First of all, you should give yourself a hard pat on the shoulder and congratulate yourself for choosing to quit smoking now. It is probably one of the best decisions you’ve made in your life. While quitting smoking can be a bit challenging, both science and nature have given us access to some of the very helpful quit smoking aids that can greatly help you win this battle!
Medications
There are specially formulated medications that allow you to suppress nicotine cravings and overcome withdrawal symptoms. Two of the most popular smoking cessation drugs are Chantix and Zyban. Some people claim that Chantix is better than Zyban because it has higher success rates in clinical studies but both medications have been proven to encourage smokers to quit. These drugs are taken for just a short period (normally 12 weeks). However, doctor’s prescription is necessary before any of these medications can be taken.
Nicotine Patch
Although nicotine patches deliver the very same addictive substance that tobacco brings to the body, it does it in a much safer way. These patches, which can be purchased over the counter, supply small yet steady dose of nicotine in your system so you don’t crave for cigarettes. Users gradually taper on the use of the patch until they no longer feel any craving or urge to smoke.
Chewing Gum
If you feel something’s got to be in your mouth, then chew a gum! This quit smoking aid is very effective as it makes your mouth busy, making you forget that you want to smoke. While nicotine gum can be a good option, you really don’t want it if you are already using nicotine patch. Just choose the low-fat gum, no sugar so you don’t be bothering yourself with the thought of gaining weight.
Water
Many people underestimate the power of water as a quit smoking aid. But it can actually save you from the ill effects of smoking. Drinking water helps your body eliminate the toxins brought by cigarette smoking. Water can also provide a soothing therapy for the energy-sapping craving, irritation and anxiety that usually go along with smoking cessation.
Exercise
Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, tell yourself “I will, after I exercised”. This is a great strategy because it doesn’t just make you forget about smoking but also reduces your likelihood to light up even if you did remember it. Exercising has been a proven strategy to reduce nicotine cravings. It makes you healthier too!
With these great smoking aids, you can increase your success rate. However, remember that they are simply ‘smoking aids’. Therefore, you must not become too dependent on them. You have to shed effort (lots of effort), dedication can commitment to stop smoking today. Only with this kind of willpower will you be able to successfully quit smoking for good.
