Quitting smoking isn't easy, but it will change your life for the better. Giving up smoking has huge health benefits both in the short and long term.
Stopping smoking can significantly decrease your chances of developing serious illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer. Other benefits of giving up cigarettes include improved physical fitness, clearer breathing and increased fertility in both men and women.
Even if you have been smoking for years, stopping can make a real difference to your health and life expectancy. A recent study carried out by researchers at the University of Tel Aviv found that people who stopped smoking after having a heart attack were 37% less likely to die from a subsequent attack than those who continued to smoke, showing that it's never too late to give up. If you are determined to quit, there are several ways to get a helping hand. Here are some of your options.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can significantly increase your chances of giving up. A number of NRT products are available on prescription or over the counter including nicotine patches, nicotine gum and nicotine inhalators. All work by delivering a small amount of nicotine into your blood stream to help you cope with cravings.
Other forms of NRT include nicotine lozenges, nasal sprays and microtabs. Whichever form you decide to use, it is important to follow the instructions carefully as taking too much nicotine at once can cause problems such as dizziness, cold sweats and an elevated heart rate.
Zyban
Zyban is the brand name for a drug called Bupropion hydrochloride which is currently only available on prescription in the UK. Unlike NRT therapies, Zyban does not contain any nicotine and is taken in tablet form. Zyban acts to reduce cravings by affecting the neurotransmitters responsible for controlling mood in the brain.
Zyban patients have reported a number of side effects including a dry mouth and difficulties sleeping. Other more serious side effects have also been reported, including depression and seizures. Whether or not you will be at risk of developing such side effects will depend on your medical history and is something that your doctor would discuss with you before prescribing the drug.
Champix
Champix is another smoking cessation drug which is currently only available on prescription. Champix is the brand name for a drug called Varenicline. Varenicline stimulates the nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and also stops nicotine from acting on the receptors that normally recognise inhaling nicotine as a pleasurable experience.
Champix tablets are usually taken for up to 12 weeks, during which time patients should completely stop smoking. Known side effects from Varenicline include dizziness, drowsiness and depression. Because of this, the drug is not suitable for anyone with a history of mental health problems and is also unsuitable for pregnant women.
Hypnotherapy
Alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy, acupuncture and homoeopathy have all been used to help people give up smoking. The results from hypnotherapy in particular are impressive. According to the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis, hypnosis has a 60% success rate in helping people give up smoking with just a single session. During hypnotherapy patients are guided into a deep state of relaxation. Visualisation and imagery techniques are then used to help re-programme thoughts about smoking and help patients quit.
Whichever method you choose, getting help and support to stop smoking will significantly increase your chances of success. There is a wealth of free support available to anyone who wants to give up, from local stop smoking groups through to one-to-one counselling sessions. Check with your chemist or GP to find out what is available in your area.
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