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So you started smoking a few years ago when you were young and stupid and thought you were invincible. You know you should quit, because you know that smoking-related diseases kill 1,200 people in the U.S. daily. You know that every day you're increasing your chances of suffering from emphysema, heart disease, stroke, or lung cancer at some point in the future. You know that you're putting your loved ones at risk by bringing second-hand smoke into their lives. You know all of this - but you still aren't sure how to go about quitting.
First, you're going to really need to want it, because quitting is going to be rough. You're going to need all of the willpower you've got, the support of your friends and family, and lots of solid reasons to quit that are important to you. Sometimes that's enough, but if you're still having a problem getting off the nicotine - and there's no shame if you are - you might want to try some of the products the FDA has approved to help you quit.
Nicotine Replacement
For many people, having a way to gradually get rid of the nicotine in their system is the best way to quit. Withdrawals are often the worst part of quitting, and being able to step down without actually smoking can make the withdrawals less painful. Nicotine replacement is available both over-the-counter and in prescription forms, so it's important for you to know what all of the options are. - Nicotine patches are available over the counter and adhere to the skin like a bandaid. They release nicotine into the system a little at a time throughout the day and are usually worn for 16-24 hours. Depending on how many cigarettes you typically smoke in a day, you may start using different doses or "steps." The patch should only be worn for 8-10 weeks, depending on where you start on the step system.
- Nicotine gum is another option, and can be effective for people who are having trouble breaking the physical habit of smoking. Instead of lighting a cigarette, you pop in a piece of gum. For the first six weeks you chew a piece every 1-2 hours, then you move down to a a piece every 2-4 hours, then every 4-8 hours by the 12th week.
- Nicotine lozenges are a third nicotine replacement possibility. The program is about the same as the program for nicotine gum, but it's an option for people who prefer not to chew gum.
- Some people get help from prescription-level nicotine replacement therapy called Nicotrol. This medicine is available as an inhaler or a nasal spray. Talk to your doctor about whether you need this option.
If nicotine replacement doesn't seem like the life for you, there are other options besides quitting cold turkey. Some of these have potential side effects that you should read about before beginning to use them, and they should all only be used on the supervision of a health care professional. There are lots of options for you if you want to quit. And you know you want to.
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