April 15, 2007
Medicine can help you quit smoking
Stopping smoking is the most important step that smokers can take to improve the length and quality of their lives, according to the US Surgeon General.
It is not easy to quit smoking but it can be done. Nicotine is the drug found in tobacco that is highly addictive physically and mentally. Nicotine affects many parts of the body including the heart, blood vessels, and brain.
Quitting smoking is a touchy subject for many and asking for help can be difficult. Smokers who plan a quit attempt in advance double their chance of success. It is important to know what options are available and where to go for help. The following are some tips to help stop smoking and some suggestions to help be successful in your attempt.
There are several things that can help with the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine gum, inhalers, and patches are available. Two drugs are now available to help with stopping smoking. Zyban and Chantix are both available to help quit smoking. More information is available about these at the Nicotine Control and Research Program office at YKHC. An appointment can be arranged to discuss treatment options by contacting the Nicotine Control office at 1-800-478-3321 ext. 6312 or direct at 907-543-6312.
To be successful in quitting smoking it is important to identify times, people, and situations that make you want to smoke. A way to do this is to keep a journal before quitting and write down each time you have a cigarette, describe the situation, and the reason.
Once these triggers have been identified, the next step is to change your routine. For example, if you smoke with your morning coffee then switch to tea or if you have a cigarette during work breaks then take a walk instead. Use a pencil for the feeling of something in your hand; chew gum, and call friends or family for support.
Looking at the benefits of quitting smoking can give you a great reason to stop. By quitting smoking a person can decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic lung disease, lung cancer, other cancers, and death. The financial benefits are good too if you consider the average annual cost of smoking is more than $3,000. Other benefits of quitting smoking include increased self-esteem, decreased health risk to your family and friends, a healthier and younger appearance, and no more smelly cigarette odor.
Helpful websites: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Guide_for_Quitting_Smoking.asp
http://rxforchange.ucsf.edu/