When Quitting Means Winning



Successful quitters have tried going cold turkey, but have suffered the agonies of their nicotine cravings. Indeed, successfully quitting varies with each individual. Many just simply walked away from the tantalizing pack of cigarettes. They just told themselves they had to stop, which they did. They are the lucky ones. On the other hand, there are the people dying to stop smoking, but each attempt is a failure. The availability of stop smoking treatments can help them in their struggle against nicotine dependency. Since there are various treatments available, they can choose the option that will work best for them.

The Wonder Pill?

There are several stop smoking pill formulations. These work to curb cravings and eliminate much of the symptoms associated with nicotine dependency. The receptor sites in the brain are blocked by the medication, leading it to believe that you just had your nicotine fix.

The stop smoking pill medications makes it easier on the body to deal with withdrawal symptoms. Some of these preparations are taken 4 weeks before smoking cessation. By that time, the body has been strengthened to face the onslaught of nicotine withdrawal. Herbal concoctions provide natural relief for tobacco and cigarette cravings, lowers nervous tensions and irritability, and helps detoxify the body of harmful carcinogens. These are also non-habit forming, nicotine-free, and provide fast relief for withdrawal symptoms.

The chemical preparations have different effects on the brain. Zyban is recommended for chain smokers. The drug creates a chemical reaction that carries messages to the brain that you have just had a cigarette. However, alcoholics and people who have seizures are warned not to take the drug. Zyban or Bupropion at 150 mg. is an antidepressant. This explains why the effects of nicotine withdrawal are reduced. Those taking this stop smoking pill have to take one or two tablets per day. The use of nicotine sprays or patches while dosing on Zyban makes the drug doubly effective.

The Shots

Smoking cessation shots are given on the arm and behind the ears. However, the drawback of this treatment is the disregard for the psychological side of addiction. This will only work for those who have the iron will to quit.

These shots use anticholiergic drugs - scopolamine and atropine. These can cause side effects like confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, and difficulty in urinating. Anticholiergic drugs, when used excessively, can cause heart attacks, stroke, coma, and hallucinations. If you are thinking of the speedy effects of these shots, you have to ask your doctor's advice.

The Smart Choice

Selecting the right treatment or stop smoking pill for nicotine addiction is not about the speed with which the drug can alleviate or eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. The smart choice is the decision to quit smoking.

Your doctor is in the best position to advice you about the type of treatment you should take. As long as you have no allergies, are physically fit, and psychologically ready for the treatment, you can take whatever treatment that will be recommended for you and triumph over your addiction.