Why is quitting so hard? Nicotine, a substance even more addictive than heroin or cocaine, is found in tobacco products. Over time a person becomes both physically and psychologically dependent on nicotine. The physical dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, while the psychological dependence makes it difficult remain smoke-free. To optimize your chances at being successful with quitting, both the physical and mental aspects of the addiction should be addressed.
Why should I quit? Quitting smoking decreases your risk of certain types of cancer, lung diseases, heart disease, gum disease, and vision loss. The CDC reports that female smokers lose an average of 14 years of life due to complications from smoking.
In addition to improving your own health, quitting will also help to improve the health of your loved ones. Exposure to second hand smoke is especially dangerous for children and the elderly, as they are more prone to associated eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Quitting smoking will also save you money. The national average cost of a box of cigarettes is $5.95. If you are a one pack per day smoker, that would be a savings of $2172 per year. Now imagine what you could do with an extra $2000 each year. Plan a trip to Europe? Start a college fund for your kids? Use it as a down payment for a new car or home?
What services are available to help me quit? Some people are able to quit smoking cold turkey without any assistance. For someone who wants extra help though, counseling services and self-help materials are available. Click the links below for additional information and resources:
- http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/QuitSmoking/QuittingResources/Resources-for-Quitting-Smoking_UCM_307934_Article.jsp#.V5VHgzb6tYc
- https://smokefree.gov/
- http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/resources/index.htm
- http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/i-want-to-quit/how-to-quit-smoking.html
What products are available to help me quit? The FDA has approved 5 types of nicotine replacement therapies: patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and an inhaler. When used, these products release a controlled amount of nicotine into your system. The goal is that over time you are able to use less and less to control your cravings, eventually becoming completely nicotine free.
Bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) are two prescription medications available to help control nicotine cravings. Bupropion is an antidepressant that balances chemicals in your brain to reduce your withdrawal symptoms. Ideally it should be started a week or two before your anticipated quit date, and is taken twice daily. Bupropion would not be appropriate for someone with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or alcohol abuse.
Varenicline works by blocking the nicotine receptors in your brain. This helps to lessen the pleasure experienced when smoking, and also reduces withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline should be started about a week before your planned quit date and is also taken twice daily. Varenicline has been linked to changes in behavior and thoughts of suicide, so it would not be recommended for someone with a history of mental illness and suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you love has been able to quit smoking, please share your tips for success in the comments section!
