Smoking is an unhealthy habit that can cause many different health problems. Not only does it affect your own health, but it can also have effects on those around you. Many smokers would like to stop but struggle again and again to give up forever. You might start to cut down or give up for a while, but then something trips you up. Just like any addiction, it’s difficult to stay clean. It can be a struggle to start all over again once you make a mistake. However, anyone can quit smoking if they put their mind to it. There is a range of different quitting methods and aids you can try to help you out. Consider these different options to work out which is best for you

Quit Cold Turkey

Stopping smoking without easing yourself off can be tough. And yet, research suggests that it’s better to do than to slowly wean yourself off. If you’re thinking about going cold turkey, it can be a nerve-wracking thing to consider. Just letting go of something you’re dependent on isn’t easy. But there are methods you can use to help you succeed. If you want to avoid using any nicotine products, the best thing you can do is look for support. There are helplines you can call and support groups to join. And, of course, you can look to your friends and family for support too. Try not to spend time with negative people who try to convince you to smoke.

Use E-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes have become a popular option for many people trying to quit. Not only do they provide a nicotine replacement, but they give your hands something to do too. A lot of people find themselves fidgeting and reaching for a cigarette or lighter. An e-cigarette gives you something to hold and helps you quit. You can also get them with lots of flavors. If you buy refillable ones, you can change the liquid in them. Suppliers like https://flavourfactory-eliquid.co.uk have an enormous range, from coffee to bubblegum or raspberry. Of course, you can also get plenty of tobacco flavors too. You can even get some liquids that don’t contain nicotine.

Use Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches have long been used for nicotine replacement therapy. They’re discreet, and you can wear them throughout your day. No one is going to notice you’re using them, unlike with some other quitting aids. You can wear them under your clothes for a slow release of nicotine. They can help to reduce some of the stress from withdrawal and you usually only need one for the whole day. Some people don’t find them that effective. But others prefer them over less discreet nicotine replacements.

Other Nicotine Products

There is a range of other nicotine replacement products you can consider. Some people like to use gum because they can also chew out some of their frustrations. If you would rather have a hit of nicotine whenever you want, gum can be better than using patches. However, there are times when you might not want to be chewing gum. It delivers a small dose of nicotine when you chew it to help with cravings and stress. You can also consider nicotine inhalers, which are slightly similar to e-cigarettes. They don’t produce vapor in the same way e-cigs do, but you can still puff on them. If you want something to mimic smoking, so you keep your hands busy, this is another option. Another available choice is nicotine mouth spray, which you spray directly into your mouth. They can be useful for when you first quit and your cravings are strongest.

Medication

There are some types of medication you can access, which you might find useful for giving up smoking. They include bupropion, sold as Zyban. You have to start taking this medication several weeks before you want to quit. Your doctor might recommend that you try a medication to stop smoking. However, it is often seen as a last resort. Bupropion helps to regulate dopamine and other brain chemicals, and was originally an anti-depressant. It can help with cravings, but can also have side effects. For example, it can cause weakness, rapid heart rates, and even depression.

Therapy

Talking about your addiction is something you would definitely do if you were addicted to alcohol or hard drugs. So you should try to do the same if you’re addicted to smoking too. There are different ways you can access various therapies, including talking therapy. Looking for a counselor or psychologist to help you can let you address your feelings and identify triggers. Some people also look for alternative types of treatment, such as hypnosis and acupuncture. While these aren’t for everyone, there are some who find them useful and use them to quit.

Support

You can also find support elsewhere, both in person, over the phone, and online. If you want to meet other people trying to quit, you can find support groups in your area. However, if you can’t find anywhere or can’t or do want to leave the house, there’s also the internet. You can look for online forums for people trying to quit smoking. You should be able to find lots of resources and advice. If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone, you can also find helplines you can use.

Using an App

Everything is all technology, all the time nowadays. So there are lots of quit smoking apps to choose from. They can help you do lots of things, from measuring your progress to distracting yourself with games. You can choose one that suits you, depending on what you find motivating. For example, there’s Smoke Free, which tells you how long it is since you’ve quit and how much money you have saved. Kwit helps you to give up by giving you games, stats, and motivating cards.

You can choose a method of quitting that suits you. However, it’s also a good idea to look at the research to see what works best.