Lifestyle

If you are starting on your journey towards quitting smoking, good luck!  Smoking is regarded as one of the most difficult tasks someone can undergo. 

The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes are designed to be highly addictive.  Trying to cut ties with the drug can leave you with weight gain, more stress, withdrawals and many other symptoms. 

Fortunately, science is here to help you on your journey.  Here are a few of the best ways to quit smoking.

For those of you with iron will power and the mettle to duke it out, cold turkey is the fastest way to get over nicotine addiction. 

Just know that you are in for a rough trip for the first few weeks.  Going from a pack a day to nothing will be hell, but at the end of the three weeks you should be able to tolerate the effects. 

Another option to look at with this trial by fire is the step-down method.  This method gradually reduces the cigarettes you smoke each day until you quit. 

If that does not sound like the picnic you want to attend, there are always a medication method. 

Most of these come in the form of nicotine supplements that take the other 7,000 chemicals out of the mix.  These can be with gum, patches, or lozenges that give you a dose of nicotine throughout the day. 

Other types come in inhalers and nasal sprays for those who prefer a quick delivery.  Some doctors can even prescribe drugs like Zyban or Chantix, but those can have some other side effects.

One of the most popular methods for quitting smoking is switching to vaping. Vaping gives you a similar rush of nicotine when you need it, just like a cigarette. Products like therapeutic vapes are designed to offer a controlled and less harmful alternative, helping individuals manage cravings while gradually reducing nicotine dependence.

The biggest difference is the delivery system is designed to be smokeless, using water vapor instead.  They usually hit like a truck until you get used to them, but if you have a low dose of nicotine, you can puff more often. 

These also come in some great flavors and make quitting fun, or at least less painful.  Companies like Charlie’s Chalk Dust are at the forefront of bringing tasty vapes for your delicate taste buds. 

In addition to the above methods, there are apps that help you track how much money you have saved to give some positive reinforcement. 

If you find yourself wanting to go back to the tobacco sticks, you can also try counseling.  While you may not need to talk to a shrink for the nicotine addiction, having someone to talk to for just a few moments may be enough to kick the urge.

Unfortunately, none of these methods are 100% guaranteed.  This is a difficult task and many people fail the first time they try it. 

If you are attempting it, kudos to you.  If you fall off the bandwagon, get up and try again in a few weeks.  It may take several serious attempts to final kick the habit, and that is okay. 

This is not a fun journey and will cause you distress whenever you do it.  Good luck!