Recently, there has been a spurt in the quit smoking medications in the market. Some of these are available over the counter, like Nicotine inhaler, gum, patch and nasal spray. These come under different brands, strength and doses. These tend to supply nicotine to the withdrawing smokers to combat symptoms of depression, anger, agitation and restlessness, which are the natural outcome of quitting smoking. Besides, there are homeopathic remedies given on the basis of particular symptoms and these are not given to supply nicotine. Aconite, Arsenicum are given for restlessness and irritability, Avena Sativa and Valeriana are given for sleeplessness and fatigue caused by lack of nicotine in the smoker's body previously supplied by cigarette smoke with the exception of Tabacum, which is said to have reduced craving in smokers when it was given in high potency. However, there are different homeopathic combinations now available over the counter as are the other homeopathic remedies.
Again, there are prescription drugs like bupropion, wellbutrin, varenicline, clonidine etc. These create an aversion to tobacco, which sometimes comes as a shock to the smoker. Actually, the long established smoking habit needs mild medications to help the smoker to cut down the number of cigarettes smoked per day. There should be a gradual transition from a smoker to a non-smoker. This way, the smoker finds a new life full of meaning and productivity and does not miss the past habit. The prescription drugs try to do the opposite and often have serious side effects, as these aggressively require the smoker to stop the habit at once.
Apart from the above, there is a self-hypnosis technique to put control over the habit. This technique though safe, is only effective to the extent you boost your self-confidence.
Quit smoking medications should be chosen on the basis of your personal smoking problems. If you are a heavy smoker and your health is deteriorating, you may need prescription drugs. On the other hand, if you have been a long time smoker and want to quit the habit for good, you should choose mild alternatives like homeopathic combinations to stop the habit gradually and in phases.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteNice post. All habits including smoking is hard to stop since you have a psychological need to keep doing it. Smokers often keep smoking as a way they tell themselves that they can get through difficult times. Commonly people stop smoking for just a day or two and start again when they reach their first stressful moment. People need to find new ways to deal with stress rather than by smoking.