Stop Smoking Aids - Which is Best for You?

So you've decided to quit smoking, that's great!  Thus hub will go over some of the more popular stop smoking aids that you can use to help you quit your habit.  Whether you have chosen to quit because of your health, a news resolution or the rising price in cigarettes you have made a great decision for your future.

There are many stop smoking aids on the market right now from patches and gum, to hypnotherapy and acupuncture.  With so many to choose from which is right for you?

 If you can manage it, by far the cheapest and healthiest option to quit smoking is simple willpower.  Of course this is usually easier said that done as many people find it difficult to go cold turkey and give them up completely. 

A better method is to gradually cut down the amount you smoke.  Count up how many cigarettes you would have in a normal day and then every few days reduce that by one.

Many people find this difficult as well however as they become even more obsessed over how many cigarettes they have left each day making the addiction worse.

Nicotine Patches

Patches such as NicoDerm CQ and Habitrol contain nicotine that are designed to provide a steady release of nicotine over a period of either 16 hours or 24 hours (depending on the brand that you buy).

You place the patch anywhere on the upper body, with the upper arm being the most common place. 

They work first by removing the habit of putting a cigarette in your mouth without taking you off nicotine (so you don't get the nicotine withdrawal).  Once you've accomplished that, then you can gradually reduce the strength of the patches over time until you are off them completely.

They need to be used for at least 8 weeks for them to work properly.  People with skin conditions such as eczema  however, cannot use the patches.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine Gum such as Nicorette and Thrive release nicotine as you chew of them.  They keep your mouth busy and can satisfy your nicotine cravings quite quickly.

Many people say that the taste of nicotine gum is rather unpleasant and it can stick to dentures.  You will need to use it for up to 12 weeks for best results.

Hypnotherapy and hypnosis

Since the biggest battle with stopping smoking is the constant need to smoke, hypnosis works by reprogramming the brain into removing this urge.

Many people say that this method is preferred since it means you are giving up nicotine immediately without the urge to light up.

You can either get a professional hypnotherapist to perform the sessions or buy a good quality recording to use at home.

The cons are that it can be quite expensive to get a professional hypnotherapist and many suggest a follow up session.

Acupuncture to Quit Smoking

Acupuncture is another method that works by suppressing the urge to smoke.  It can be expensive and many treatments are often needed but because acupuncturists usually look at the whole holistic lifestyle as well as just the smoking, it can be tailored to each individual depending on your circumstances.

It also works on relaxation and detoxification of the chemicals in your body.

There are many more stop smoking aids that have worked for many people but you need to find the one that is right for you.

Good luck.