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7 ways to quit smoking
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Many people, even with a great desire, cannot quit smoking. Some lucky ones cope with the bad habit on their own, if they do not lack willpower, but most still need a course of treatment.
Smokers have heard about the dangers of smoking and know that the bad habit can provoke the development of cancer, but this is usually where their knowledge ends.
Systematic smoking is one of the main causes of blood vessel disease, which narrows under the influence of nicotine, leading to the development of atherosclerosis, as well as obliterating endarteritis of the arteries of the leg and foot.
Obliteration of blood vessels (narrowing) leads to poor blood flow to the extremities, which can eventually even lead to gangrene. The heart rate of a smoker reaches 15-20 thousand per day, because each cigarette smoked increases the heartbeat by 15-20 beats per minute.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Currently, various forms of nicotine replacement therapy are available: inhalers, tablets, chewing gum, patches, nasal sprays, and sublingual tablets. The effectiveness of replacement therapy is associated with a reduction in cravings and other symptoms that accompany quitting smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy is a temporary treatment for tobacco dependence and is not intended as a long-term replacement. Counseling, support, or group therapy programs may increase the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy.
Smoking is strictly prohibited while using nicotine substitutes. Smoking in combination with nicotine substitutes at the same time can increase the nicotine content in the blood to toxic levels.
Nicotine replacement therapy may have adverse effects on people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, circulatory disease, and pregnant women. Always consult your doctor before starting any nicotine replacement therapy.
Nicotine patches
Patches are sold in pharmacies, but it is better to consult a doctor before using them. They are easy to use and are sold in different nicotine dosages. The patch is changed every 24 hours and is applied to the back, shoulders or arms.
Nicotine chewing gum
Nicotine gum can also be purchased at a pharmacy. The gum contains a small amount of nicotine, which is absorbed into the mucous membrane of the mouth. Chewing gum delivers nicotine into the blood faster than a patch. Coffee, tea and acidic drinks interfere with the absorption of nicotine, so do not use gum for fifteen minutes after drinking. Side effects of nicotine gum include stomach upset, mouth ulcers, hiccups and throat irritation.
Nicotine inhalers
Nicotine inhalers are filled with nicotine cartridges. The inhalers are available by prescription only. The nicotine dosage is individualized, as people use the inhaler as needed. In addition to replacing nicotine, the inhaler satisfies another habit of the smoker - bringing a cigarette to the mouth. Side effects include irritation of the throat and mouth due to frequent use of the inhaler.
Nicotine lozenges
The lozenges come in two strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg. Nicotine lozenges are taken for 12 weeks, and the dose is gradually reduced during this period. Nicotine lozenges have about the same effect as chewing gum, but they release about 25% more nicotine than gum.
Hypnosis
Some smokers use hypnosis as an aid to quitting smoking. Hypnotherapy uses techniques such as imagery, meditation, and relaxation. Hypnotherapists subconsciously try to convince a person to quit smoking in order to break the emotional connection with cigarettes. When the patient is in a relaxed state, the hypnotherapist motivates the person to quit smoking.
Acupuncture
Needles are placed in specific areas of the body that play a role in a particular health problem. Acupuncture is thought to cause the release of endorphins and reduce smoking cessation symptoms.
[ Bupropion
This is a relatively new drug in the fight against smoking. Bupropion enhances the action of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, in particular dopamine, which plays an important role in the treatment of nicotine addiction. This drug helps to soften and control the craving for nicotine.