Smoking Cessation Treatments
Stopping smoking isn't easy. The majority of smokers want to stop but less than 3% of smokers who attempt to stop unaided are still smoke-free after one year.
However, there are certain products available which may reduce the risk of relapse.
Medical
Champix: The prescription-only pill also provides relief from cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and doubles the odds of quitting compared with the only other oral medication available.
Zyban: Zyban was first made to treat depression, but was then found to be useful in helping quitting smoking, regardless of whether or not the person trying to quit is depressed.
Non Medicinal Treatments
Hypnosis: Quitting smoking is one of the most popular medical uses of hypnosis. Hypnosis may strengthen a persons resolve to quit, and increase negative feelings toward cigarettes.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be helpful in managing physiological withdrawal symptoms. by triggering the release of endorphins (naturally-occurring pain relief substances) that allow the body to relax.
Behavioral Therapy: So much of nicotine addiction is related to the habitual behaviors (the “rituals”) involved in smoking.. Working with a therapist or counselor, can help you learn new ways to cope with the underlying reasons why you've smoked in the past and break through habitual patterns.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine gum, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalers are available. Using one of these roughly doubles your chance of stopping smoking if you really want to stop. A pharmacist, GP, practice nurse or Stop Smoking Clinic can advise about NRT.
