Although this article is aimed at the British public, I thought it might prove to be helpful to anyone in their fight to overcome their nicotine addiction:
The Telegraph
London, UK
17 February, 2006
Many people will kick the habit in the run-up to the smoking ban, but which method is best? Rachel Forder reviews the options available, from Zyban to acupuncture
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), many people will give up the gaspers as a result of this week's ban on smoking in pubs, restaurants and most workplaces.
"Ten million adults in England are smokers," says Amanda Sandford, the charity's research manager. "The experience in Ireland has taught us that people do give up smoking because of this legislation. We anticipate that at least 700,000 will give up in the run-up to the law being implemented and more will follow next summer when the ban comes into place."
About 70 per cent of smokers want to give up. And the reasons are obvious. As well as improving your health - one year after stopping, the risk of having a heart attack drops by 50 per cent, and the risk of cancer falls every year of not smoking - you will be able to taste food again, your skin will be smoother and your breath will no longer smell. You will also save a significant amount of cash - smoking 10 cigarettes a day for 20 years costs £18,240.
So, if the proposed smoking ban has persuaded you to give up, what is the best approach?
"People's smoking habits vary enormously and what suits one person won't necessarily work for another," says Sandford. "However, the best advice is to act immediately and, regardless of the technique you are considering, seek help from a health professional. You are least likely to succeed if you simply throw away your packet and go it alone. Either call a helpline, consult your GP or ask a pharmacist."
Nicotine replacement therapy
Available on prescription and from pharmacists, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) comes in different forms, including chewing gum, lozenges, skin patches, tablets, nasal sprays and inhalers. They all work by releasing small amounts of nicotine into the bloodstream, helping smokers to overcome withdrawal symptoms. According to the independent charity Quit, studies have found that smokers who use NRT are twice as likely to give up successfully compared with someone who tries to quit using only willpower.
"If you are considering using nicotine patches, it is important to talk to your GP first," says Sandford. "There is a misconception that you may overdose on the patches, but in fact, many people underuse them and then abandon them because they are struggling to give up."
Gum, tablets and lozenges come in different strengths, allowing you to manage your cravings. However, some taste bitter and can cause irritation of the mouth and throat. Nasal sprays work well for heavy smokers. Inhalators, which resemble cigarette holders, suit people who miss holding something in their hand.
Zyban
Only available on prescription, Zyban, or buproprion hydrochloride, works by desensitising the brain's nicotine receptors. The treatment lasts for eight weeks and its success rate is as high as that of NRT. However, it is not suitable for everyone.
"People who suffer from certain types of liver disease, who are taking some types of anti-depressant or who have a history of epilepsy should not take Zyban," says Brian Jones, a Quit counsellor. "That is why it is very important that you work with your doctor." For most people, the risk of suffering a serious adverse reaction, such as seizures, is low. Less serious side-effects include sleep disturbance and headaches.
Under development are verenicline, rimonabant and a nicotine vaccine, which eliminate the pleasure of smoking by preventing nicotine reaching the brain's receptors.
Support groups and clinics
According to Quit, if you attend a local support group, as well as taking NRT or Zyban, you are up to four times more likely to succeed as someone who goes it alone.
For details of your local group, call Quitline on 0800 002200.
Exercise
Studies have found that exercising while you are trying to give up increases your likelihood of success. You will feel healthier and more self-confident and be better able to tackle withdrawal symptoms. Either play your favourite sports three or four times or week, or download "Keep Quit", a fitness programme tailored specifically for people who are trying to give up, from
www.quit.org.uk.
Hypnotherapy
The idea is to encourage the subconscious mind to reject the body's dependence on cigarettes. Many hypnotherapists offer a one-off session, which usually costs between £100 and £250, and lasts for two hours. Some are so confident of success that they promise free follow-up sessions if it doesn't work.
The best-known exponent is Allen Carr, who uses hypnotherapy at his private clinics as part of the Easy Way to Stop Smoking programme. A four-hour session costs £130 to £170 (
www.allencarrseasyway.com).
For details of local registered hypnotherapists, write to the British Hypnotherapy Association, 67 Upper Berkeley Street, London W1H 7QX, or call 020 7723 4443.
Acupuncture
Needles are inserted into energy channels below the skin, particularly on the ears. The idea is to restore the body's natural balance. There is little evidence that it works, but it may have a placebo effect, reinforcing a desire to give up.
A course of five to 10 sessions is usually offered and the cost of each session varies according to duration, but is usually at least £25.
For details of local registered acupuncturists, see the British Acupuncture Council's website,
www.acupuncture.org.uk.
Glucose tablets
Initial research has found that glucose tablets help to ease the symptoms of those who are trying to give up. Essentially, the tablets seem to be a healthier and more effective alternative to the common habit of demolishing a chocolate bar whenever you crave a cigarette. "The idea is that people want a replacement for the smoking action," explains Brian Jones. "For those who don't like gum, sucking a glucose tablet gives you an energy lift."
Self-help guides
Bestselling books, DVDs and CDs include Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which has sold more than three million copies worldwide and been translated into 20 languages, and Paul McKenna's Stop Smoking for Good. Although there are anecdotal reports of success among readers, experts are not convinced that people do stop for good.
"Our experience is that many people manage to give up for a while and then suffer a relapse," says Jones.
NHS smoking helpline: 0800 169 0169 (open 7am to 11pm every day);
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk. Quitline: 0800 002200 (open 9am to 9pm every day);
www.quit.org.uk.
Action on Smoking and Health:
www.ash.org.uk.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/m...16/ixhmain.html
Posted by Demi:
Time Smoke-Free: 3 Years, 1 month, 17 days (1143 days)
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 45735
Lifetime Saved: 11 months, 19 days, 8 hours
Money Saved: £10,675.62 (US$18,525.17)