Smoking is a form of addiction and it is a given fact that it is hard to eliminate from your daily routine. With the right plan and the right attitude, however, you can stop smoking easily. Below is a 4-step program that can help you prepare your mind and body as you embark on a plan to kick the habit for good.

The key to be able to stop smoking for good is not the device that you will use or the technique that you will employ to get rid of the habit – but the right mindset. That being said, the first step in your plan is to make a determined decision to quit. It is not enough for you to say that you are quitting – although this is the first part of the step. The second part is for you to know and take note of your reasons and motivations for quitting.

The next step you should take is to pick a specific date for you to end your habit. Lest you forget, keep a reminder of the significance of your chosen date by marking it on your calendar, and tell your friends and family of your decision to completely quit smoking on that day. Remember, though, not to choose a date that is too near or too far from the day that you have decided to quit. If you do, you might find it difficult to stick to your decision.

Now that you have chosen a date, proceed with the third step – preparing yourself for the big day. This will involve tweaking your lifestyle, and choosing a program to stop smoking. A week before the date you have set as your “quit day”, start training yourself to be more active either by incorporating physical activities such as running into your daily routine, or by getting a hobby. Remember that any idle time can make you go back to your habit, which will result to a relapse. Also, make sure that you have nicotine replacements at hand to counter any urge to smoke. Third, allot time to research into tried and tested programs to quit smoking, and choose one that fits you. Depending on the program you choose, you might need to enroll in a class or join a support group.

Consider these NRT Treatments to Stop Smoking

All in all, there are five FDA-recognized treatments that you can opt for that have been proven safe and effective. These methods are all a form of NRT, or Nicotine Replacement Therapy. NRT is the best treatment for people who want to stop smoking to date, since it eliminates the signs included in withdrawal syndrome – a condition experienced by almost all individuals recovering from an addiction, and which accounts for the majority of relapse incidents in reforming addicts.

Following are the five NRT treatments that you can choose from.

– Nasal sprays – One of the faster NRT treatments, a nicotine nasal spray can only be bought with a doctor’s prescription. The usual length of time for nasal spray usage is 3 months – longer than that, you stand to experience side effects such as nose and throat irritation.

– Nicotine lozenges – The newest NRT treatment available as an OTC (over-the-counter) medication, it is recommended that lozenges be ingested only for a period of 12 weeks. Also, it is important that these be dissolved completely in order to achieve effective elimination of withdrawal symptoms.

– Nicotine chewing gums – Unlike other NRT medications, these gums can be taken at will. That is, you can choose when to take it without fear of exceeding normal dosage levels. Unlike the typical gum, however, you should carefully read the instructions on how to take it, lest you want to experience side effects like a painful jaw.

– Nicotine inhalers – The most expensive NRT treatment, these can only be bought with a doctor’s prescription. The maximum length of time you can take this treatment in 6 months. Inhalers may be more effective than other treatments if you want to stop smoking because using them mimics the act of smoking itself.

– Nicotine patches – Good for busy individuals with no time to spare, patches can be bought without a prescription and used as treatment for approximately 4 months. If you experience side effects from using these, try alternating from high to low-dosage patches.

Before choosing any NRT treatment, remember that all of these have side effects that you might experience at some point. Also, consider your lifestyle and the state of your health before you opt for any one of the mentioned treatments designed to help you stop smoking.

Author Bio: We manage a website about Stop Smoking

Category: Self Help
Keywords: smoking, stop smoking, quit smoking