Tips for Quitting Smoking

The dangers of smoking are well established. It is the cause of a fifth of adult deaths in England and nearly half of all long-term smokers will die prematurely as a result of a smoking-related illness. Given worrying statistics like these, it’s no surprise that so many people want to quit the habit.

However, giving up cigarettes is much easier said than done. You might have tried to stop smoking numerous times, but not yet succeeded. Fortunately, help is at hand. If you’re determined to quit now for the sake of yourself and your family, keep reading. This brief guide contains some useful hints and tips that could help you to finally break free from the shackles of addiction.

Try a prescription medicine

In the past, you might have tried an array of patches, lozenges, gums and sprays in a bid to ditch the cigarettes. However, don’t lose hope if these nicotine replacement therapy products haven’t worked for you. There is an alternative. Prescription medicines can be highly effective at helping people to stop smoking. For example, Champix, which does not contain nicotine, works to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The evidence suggests that people who take these tablets are more than three times more likely to stop smoking than individuals who try to quit on their own.

If you haven’t noticed, vaping is the trend these days. Many have switched from conventional tobacco smoking to vaping for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a healthier alternative since you are not inhaling other harmful, carcinogenic elements from the combustion process of smoking. Ex-smokers say that it is also a very good way to take baby steps on the path of quitting smoking if you can’t quit abruptly. Vaporizers are also more cost-effective than buying a pack of cigarettes, which you would probably finish in a day or two. The essential oils or e-juices you buy last a lot longer. You can check out reliable vaporizers to understand the benefits of vaping.

Have a clear plan

It’s vital that you have a clear plan in mind when you quit. For example, set a date for your last cigarette and stick to it. Don’t let yourself be swayed by parties or other events. Think about what you’ll do when you experience cravings too. Often, cravings are short-lived, so it’s helpful to have a selection of five-minute strategies in place to help you sustain your willpower. For instance, if you’re out drinking with friends and suddenly feel the urge to light up, distract yourself by going to the bar instead.

Get support

A big mistake that many people make is trying to go it alone. By enlisting the support of your partner, family and friends, you should find the process easier. Also, if you know other people who are keen to give up, team up to give each other support. You can also contact special NHS smoking helplines for further information and advice.

Change your diet

Changing your diet could help to boost your chances too. To any smoker, it’s obvious that certain food and drink products complement cigarettes better than others, and there is now research to back this up. A study conducted in the US found that some foods, including meats, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others, including vegetables, fruit and cheese, make having a smoke less desirable. The researchers also looked at drinks and found that fizzy drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. When your resolve is low, you may be well advised to steer clear of food and drink products that go perfectly with a smoke.

Quitting the habit will never be easy, but by bearing suggestions like these in mind, you should stand a better chance of achieving your goal.