Free Quit Smoking Help
Benefits of a Quit-smoking Program
You may want to try a quit-smoking program or support group to help you quit. These programs can work great if you're willing to commit to them.
How do quit-smoking programs and support groups work? They help smokers spot and cope with problems they have when trying to quit. The programs teach problem-solving and other coping skills. A quit-smoking program can help you quit for good by:
- Helping you better understand why you smoke
- Teaching you how to handle withdrawal and stress
- Teaching you tips to help resist the urge to smoke
- Keep Busy
- Keep very busy today.
- Go to a movie.
- Exercise.
- Take long walks.
- Go bike riding.
Spend as much free time as you can where smoking isn't allowed. Some good places are malls, libraries, museums, theaters, department stores, and places of worship.
Do you miss having a cigarette in your hand? Hold something else. Try a pencil, a paper clip, a marble, or a water bottle.
Do you miss having something in your mouth? Try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, lollipops, hard candy, sugarfree gum, or carrot sticks.
Drink a lot of water and fruit juice. Avoid drinks like wine and beer. They can trigger you to smoke.
Stay Away from What Tempts You
Instead of smoking after meals, get up from the table. Brush your teeth or go for a walk.
If you always smoke while driving, try something new: Listen to a new radio station or your favorite music. Take a different route. Or take the train or bus for a while, if you can.
Stay away from things that you connect with smoking. Do it today and for the next few weeks. These may include:
- Watching your favorite TV show
- Sitting in your favorite chair
- Having a drink before dinner
Do things and go places where smoking is not allowed. Keep this up until you're sure that you can stay smoke-free.
Remember, most people don't smoke. Try to be near non-smokers if you must be somewhere you'll be tempted to smoke, for example at a party or in a bar.
Medicines That Help With Withdrawal
When you quit smoking, you may feel strange at first. You may feel dull, tense, and not yourself. These are signs that your body is getting used to life without nicotine. It usually only lasts a few weeks.
Many people just can't handle how they feel after they quit. They start smoking again to feel better. Maybe this has happened to you. Most people slip up in the first week after quitting. This is when feelings of withdrawal are strongest.
There are medicines that can help with feelings of withdrawal:
Using these medicines can double your chances of quitting for good. Ask your doctor for advice. But remember: Medicine alone can't do all the work. It can help with cravings and withdrawal, but quitting will still be hard at times.
Here is more information about the different medicines.
Nicotine Gum, Patch, Inhaler, Spray, and Lozenge (NRT)
Nicotine gum, patches, inhalers, sprays, and lozenges are called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). That's because they take the place of nicotine from cigarettes. NRT can help with withdrawal and lessen your urge to smoke.
You need a prescription to buy the inhaler and nasal spray. But you can buy nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and nicotine lozenges on your own.
Other Medicines
Bupropion SR is a medicine that has no nicotine. You need a prescription to get these pills. They seem to help with withdrawal and lessen the urge to smoke.
Some people have side effects when using bupropion SR pills. The side effects include dry mouth and not being able to sleep.
This medicine isn't right for:
- Pregnant women
- People who have seizures
- People with eating disorders
- Heavy drinkers
Ask your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist if this medicine is right for you. Make sure to use it the right way if your doctor prescribes it.
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