In these days when there is increasing pressure on smokers to quit, it’s worth looking
at the main ways in which the ‘stop-smoking’ effect can take place.
Of course, once they make the decision to let go of the habit - or become a nonsmoker
- smokers find it hard to let go of this habit. The reasons for this, broadly, is
that the act of smoking has become an entrenched habit and it is linked very closely
with the addiction which body has adopted to the chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Unfortunately, as smokers over the years have discovered, stopping smoking isn’t
like flicking the ‘off’ switch. So what are the main ways to help people who have
decided to stop?
Cold Turkey
We should call this willpower - because that is really what it is. You, as a smoker,
decide that you are going to quit – maybe you set a date, such as the first of the
month, or an event, maybe your birthday, maybe tomorrow – and then, you commit to
working against the habit which has been formed, and against the chemical
dependence which has developed and you ‘overcome’ the desire to smoke. But this
can be successful, it just requires persistence, determination and the will to succeed.
Unfortunately not every one has the willpower required.
Nicotine Replacement
Because nicotine is a chemical, which, in this case, is produced as a result of the
burning of tobacco in cigarettes, and nicotine is a chemical on which the body can
develop dependence, the body’s need for this chemical often will be so strong that the
individual’s willpower is simply not strong enough to counter the effects which the
chemicals are having on the physiology. Hence, the development of nicotine
replacement. There are various ways in which the nicotine replacement approach is
taken:
Nicotine patches.
Nicotine Gum or lozenges.
Nicotine inhalers.
Nicotine replacement, however, is just that. The approach is designed to have people
reduce the dependence on cigarettes for the nicotine needs which may have developed
as a result of smoking.
This approach does not address the behavioural habit or any underlying issues which
may be associated with the need that the person feels to smoke.
Prescription Medication
You may seek the advice of your physician or general practitioner to see what
prescription medication is available. And in recent years there have been some
improvements in this area although in my experience, many doctors are reluctant to
go down the medication route.
But let’s look at two drugs in this area. The first is Zyban, marketed by
pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Zyban doesn’t contain or replace
nicotine, rather its effect is more related to lessening the withdrawal effects. Smokers
begin taking this medication while smoking and then reduce, over time, the number of
cigarettes until there’s no more desire to smoke.
Another is Chantix (or in some areas, marketed as Champix), produced by Pfizer.
Like Zyban, it does not contain nicotine. With all medication, there is a reason why it
requires the advice of your doctor – there may be side effects with any of these
medications so it’s important that you explore these fully with your doctor before
starting your course of treatment.
Natural Supplements.
A number of natural therapies have been developed in recent years – and many
claim to have achieved great results. Whilst I can’t claim to have reviewed any of the
products on the market, there are strong claims about the effectiveness of some of the
products available.
Zero Nicotine are patches which contain a herbal preparation and it’s designed to
eliminate the nicotine addiction. The process, claim the makers of this product, when
taken in conjunction with their support program takes around 30 days.
Another herbal preparation is Smoke Deter which the makers say is an ‘All-natural,
homeopathic, sublingual spray.’
In considering the herbal approach, it is advisable to check with others who have tried
the products.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is recognised as one of the more effective ways to stops smoking.
Unlike prescription medication or nicotine replacement or herbal therapy,
hypnotherapy does not involve taking any substance into the body. Hypnotherapy is a
natural process and in various forms, though not always called ‘hypnosis’ or
‘hypnotherapy’ has been around for thousands of years. Yes, even the ancient
Egyptians used a similar process – though, it’s likely they didn’t have the need to use
it to stop smoking.
Increasingly over recent years, hypnotherapy is being recognised as a powerful and
effectiveness therapy in so many areas - and particularly for helping people to stop
smoking.
How does it work ? Well, different practitioners may well have slightly different
approaches, but the effective approaches will deal with the reasons why you smoke,
release the subconscious attachment to the habit, and deal with the body’s addiction to
the chemicals, such as nicotine, to which the body may have developed dependence.
Two to four sessions are required usually and people who try hypnotherapy find it a
very pleasant experience. Many people leave the first session a as non-smoker’.
It’s important when seeking out a hypnotherapist, as in looking for any health
practitioner, that you choose one who has the appropriate professional – and that
means ‘recognized’ – qualifications and has experience in this area.
If you’re a smoker, whichever process you choose to follow, the decision to stop
smoking may well be one of the more important decisions you make in your life, for
your life.
Graham Moore
Graham Moore is a Clinical Hypnotherapist. He is senior lecturer and Fellow of the
Academy of Hypnotic Science. Graham has worked with clients over the past 12
years to help them stop smoking.
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When you stop smoking -
Your energy levels improve
Your sense of taste returns
Your health - overall - improves
You’ll have more money in your pocket !
“I can’t stop smoking, I’ll just put on weight!” Not with my system: I don’t want you to smoke and I don’t want you to become obese
“I’ve tried before, nothing seems to work.” If you really want to stop, now is the time to do it.
“I’m addicted to smoking.” Why are you letting dried tobacco leaves, full of harmful chemicals, control your life ? You deserve better than that – and I want to help you.
