Ways To Quit Smoking
When it comes to quitting smoking, many people look for ways to lean on, to make the process as easy as possible. Some choose to use nicotine patches, others chew gum, others begin to practice sports or a specific hobby to distract themselves, and others prefer to seek professional help and try smoking cessation.
Everyone is free to choose the method they consider most convenient. However, it is advisable to always take into account the doctor’s instructions and, in case of doubt, consult with the professional before making any changes in lifestyle.
Should you quit smoking overnight?
Stopping smoking overnight is a drastic measure that, in many cases, backfires. Not only can the person have a sudden relapse, but they can also resume the habit with more force than before.
According to Dr. Taylor Hays of the Center for Nicotine Dependents, only 3-5% of people are successful at quitting overnight, radically. Therefore, this tactic cannot be recommended to all smokers.
So, although at first it may be difficult for you to carry it out, it is convenient that you try to reduce your tobacco consumption little by little, until you finally achieve it. So you could get great personal satisfaction.
Remember to be kind to yourself in the process. Don’t beat yourself up if you have times when you have a hard time maintaining your willpower. Avoid setting impossible goals and, above all, try to be patient. Quitting smoking is a process in which you do not need to rush.
You are not in a race nor are you competing with someone else. Therefore, focus on progressing little by little, without crushing yourself every step of the way for what you fail to achieve or for what you could improve. If you had a relapse or some strategy did not go especially well, take note and keep in mind what you learned for a next opportunity. And ready! Do not think about the mistake any more because it is not going to help you progress.
3 ways to quit smoking
Let’s see what are some of the methods that can help you quit smoking. Keep in mind that they are not an immediate or definitive solution, so you must do your part to make them work.
Bubble gum
Chewing gum is one of the methods that can help you quit smoking. The idea is that every time you have the urge to smoke or anxiety, the person puts a piece of gum in their mouth.
On the other hand, there are those who decide to try nicotine gum. The “but” of this method is that nicotine gums tend to stick between the teeth and do not usually leave a very good taste in the mouth.
In addition, studies show that between 15 and 20% of those who use this method remain addicted to these gums for more than a year after quitting smoking. Then one addiction is being replaced by another.
Patches
Nicotine patches are another method proposed to help people quit smoking. They are practical and easy to use, but according to data from the Why to Quit organization , the success of the patches is only 8%.
Hypnotherapy
According to the experts of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) “there is no evidence about its efficacy in the treatment of smoking. From a scientific point of view, the efficacy of hypnosis cannot be affirmed, since no controlled studies have been carried out where the efficacy rates are analyzed with objective measures ”. However, hypnotherapy is still another of the most popular smoking cessation methods, with some claiming that it is more than 50% effective.
What else do you have to keep in mind?
There are other methods you can consider. One of the most recommended by experts in psychology is smoking cessation. Evaluate the different options and, if you have concerns, consult your doctor. The professional will know how to guide you in the most appropriate way.
In addition to quitting tobacco, try to improve your lifestyle little by little, so that you can adopt one that really gives you both short-term and long-term benefits in terms of health and well-being. It’s worth it and it will make you feel so much better in many ways!
