What's the Best Way to Resist the Temptation to Smoke?

 

Cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly 78,000 deaths every year in the UK. Lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the top three smoking-related causes of mortality. Along with these "top three" diseases, smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing colds and infections, osteoporosis, diabetes, difficulties during pregnancy, stomach ulcers, problems with erections and gum disease, to name a few. Keep reading to learn the best way to quit smoking.

Quitting smoking can extend your life by many years. Though it is preferable to quit sooner rather than later, it is never too late. Even at the age of 80, the benefits of stopping are significant!

What are the six best ways to quit smoking?

1. Establish a date for quitting

Choose a date within the next several weeks, communicate it to your friends and family, and schedule it in your calendar. On that quit date, resolve to entirely abstain from smoking. Consider what would make stopping difficult.

2. Going "cold turkey" may be preferable as the best way quit smoking

You can either progressively reduce your cigarette use prior to your quit date or continue smoking as usual until your quit day. Both are OK, although it appears that quitting abruptly, or "cold turkey," may be better.

 



 

3. Many smokers require extra support

While some people succeed on their own, many struggle—and it frequently takes many attempts to quit for good. It may be a good idea to seek extra help.

4. Before you begin, discard all of your cigarettes

Bear in mind that there is never "only one cigarette." You do not have to go through it alone; join others who are experiencing the same thing in a helpful and pleasant environment.

5. One of the best ways to quit smoking is to get support

Participate in support groups such as Facebook groups to receive assistance and more advice from individuals going through the same thing as you.

6. Seek Treatment

Medication therapy (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, or bupropion) enhances quit-rates, particularly when paired with counselling.

To find out more on how you can quit smoking for good, check out our previous blog posts here:

 

Quit Smoking      Best Quit Smoking Products

 

What can I do instead of smoking when I get the urge? 

Cravings are genuine - they are not a figment of your imagination. When you have a strong desire to use tobacco, you may also notice changes in your mood, as well as an increase in your blood pressure and heart rate. Utilise these ideas to help you get through these situations, and remember that the urges will subside. Here are a few more things you can do:

- Keep substitutes at hand for sucking or chewing like carrots, sugar-free gum or hard candy, pickles, celery, apples or raisins.
- Understand that feelings of anger, irritation, irritability, anxiety and even despair are common after quitting and will subside as you develop non-tobacco coping mechanisms. Consult your pharmacist if these symptoms persist for over a month.
- Take a walk. Exercise has been shown to increase mood and alleviate stress.
- Take a shower if possible.
- Develop the ability to relax fast and profoundly. Consider a relaxing, pleasant scenario and visualise yourself in it. Take a time to disconnect from it all. Concentrate solely on that serene location.
- Instead of smoking, light incense or a candle.
- Remind yourself to say "no." Declare it aloud. Repeat this a few times and pay attention to yourself. Other statements you can convey to yourself include, "I am too strong to succumb to cravings," "I am no longer a smoker," or "I will not disappoint my friends and family." And, maybe most importantly, "I shall not disappoint myself."
- Never believe that "just one misstep won't harm," for it most certainly will.

Below is one of the best products to help you resist the urge to stop smoking successfully on your journey to quit for good.

 

Nicorette Nasal Spray

Shop Nicorette Nasal Spray

 

Best way to quit smoking

You can also shop for the best products to help you stop smoking fast and successfully at Chemist.net. Some of these products include Cigarette Filters, E-Cigarettes, Nicotine Gum, Nicotine Lozenges, Nicotine Patches and Nicotine Inhalators.

Stop Smoking Now

 

 

This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.