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.
Since many smokers experience symptoms of withdrawal such as headaches, cravings, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, and irritability, the patch tends to be very useful. Of course, smokers still experience cravings as well as some other symptoms, but the patch is known to help smokers tolerate their cravings for longer periods. Nevertheless, in order to be successful, an individual must use the patch every day for about three months. It is said that one in every five dedicated quitters will be able to stop smoking with the help of the patch. Still some people experience side effects from the patch, including skin irritation and trouble sleeping. Most people recommend that quitters start therapy along with the nicotine patch.
Zyban (bupropion) is commonly prescribed as a stop smoking aid. Although it is actually an antidepressant, studies have shown that it also helps suppress withdrawal symptoms. This is a great benefit to smokers who are trying to break the habit. Zyban has, in fact, been proven in some studies to be twice as effective as the nicotine patch when it comes to helping stop smoking. No matter what, it is not addictive and easy to use. There are some side effects when taking Zyban, such as dry mouth and difficulty sleeping, but it is definitely worth trying.
Stop smoking aids include nicotine gum and nicotine inhalers. Nicotine gum helps smokers quit smoking by giving their mouths something to do. Many smokers who quit smoking end up gaining weight because they tend to eat more food or snacks in order to compensate for the lack of a cigarette. Nicotine gum, in this case, is most useful for those individuals who are scared to quit because they fear gaining weight. Nicotine gum also helps people get over their cravings during their withdrawal period, as smokers chew nicotine gum instead of smoking. Nicotine gum is best used for three months.
Nicotine inhalers are stop smoking aids that allow smokers to take a nicotine dose whenever they feel it’s necessary. The inhaler imitates the nicotine effects of smoking, and helps make quitting smoking easier for those trying to stop smoking. Throat and mouth irritation are some of the side effects.
It is important to remember, however, that stop smoking aids can only work when individuals want them to work. That is, individuals must be fully dedicated to quitting smoking. This inner drive and motivation is the only way smokers will be able to quit smoking. Though stop smoking aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine pills, nicotine gum, and nicotine inhalers can help smokers quit, nothing can help them quit permanently except willpower.
