Everyday you may tell yourself, “This will be my last smoking day.” Unfortunately, you find that everyday is your last smoking day. You just can’t help going out for a single stick of cigarettes after lunch, and then you find yourself going out for another and then another. At the end of the day you just give up and try to again the next day. But then again the cycle just repeats itself.
There are millions like you out there that really want to quit smoking, but just can’t as their addiction is too strong. If you are experiencing this kind of condition, maybe it’s time for you seek professional help.
There are various kinds of help available. One of the most common practices for quitting smoking is group therapy. Various help groups are out there in your local community who talk to each other. There are programs created by experienced counselors, and some have success losing the urge to smoke by the end of the session. Some may not be successful, but they are still welcome to try again until it all goes away.
If you think this program is not for you, there are other ways. Sometimes a person can’t just quit something by talking himself out of it. Right now there are medications that you can use that might help you quit smoking, and it might just work out for you. Remember to consult a doctor first to find out if you’re healthy enough to handle these types of medications.
Nicotine skin patches are one of those medications that you can use to stop smoking. All you need to do is place the patch in a dry clean area on your body based on the instructions, and you’re finished. Most of the time the patch should stay on your body for at least 16 hours before you replace them. But before you go and purchase them, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first. These patches are very strong medications and may cause harm to your body. There are side effects that should be expected such as dizziness, nausea, hearing changes, increased saliva, vision changes, sleeping problems and muscle aches. When you go to your doctor to ask for this medication, tell him everything; your allergies, your current medications and other important medical notes about yourself to give you the correct dosage and prescription.
Nicotine chewing gum is another alternative. This is often used when you have the urge to smoke. The use of these types of gum should also be consulted with you doctor to make sure you can take them. The US government discourages using these for more than three months, but if you think you should, consult your doctor for the possible effects in your body. One of the most common side effects of these is headaches, stomach aches and mouth ulcers.
The medications should be taken carefully based on the instructions. It is important to note that if something bad is experienced such as palpitations or an increase in blood pressure, seek medical attention immediately.
The important thing about quitting the bad habit is DECISION. You just have to make it and avoid making excuses.
Comment by Christine — April 30, 2008 @ 10:10 pm