How To Quit Smoking

Many people are now well aware that smoking is a major preventable cause of premature death and different disease: It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. For this reason, many people are eager to quit smoking.

In spite of the many diseases involved, one out of five American adults are chain smokers. The main reasons for this are that nicotine is addictive and changing a habit is hard. But there is help at hand.

Research shows that, with the right approach, it is possible to break with the unhealthy routine and kick the habit once and for all.

Here are Seven of the most effective methods used to quit smoking and stay stopped.

1. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

It is a medically approved method, in which you take Nicotine by means other than tobacco. It can be in form of gums, patches, spray, drinks and inhalers. NRT can help relieve some of the physical withdrawal symptoms so that you can focus on the psychological aspects of quitting. Many studies have shown using NRT can nearly double the chances of quitting smoking.

2. Varenicline

Varenicline is a novel agent that is centrally acting partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. It has both agonistic and antagonistic properties that together are believed to account for reduction of craving and withdrawal as well as blocking the rewarding effects of smoking. Its targeted mechanism of action,better efficacy and tolerability makes varenicline a useful therapeutic option for smoking cessation. Several methods of varenicline synthesis are included in this profile. UV spectroscopy of varenicline showed a lmax of approximately 235nm, whereas IR spectroscopy ,NMR and fragmentation pattern of varenicline were reported. In addition, pharmacology and methods for the analysis of varenicline are also described.

3. E-cigarettes

A battery operated device which allows you to inhale Nicotine without harmful smoke. It aims to provide a similar sensation to inhaling tobacco smoke, without the smoke.

Also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, vaporizer cigarettes, and vape pens, they are marketed as a way to stop or cut down on smoking.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is an antidepressant, but it has been found to help people stop smoking. Like varenicline, it reduces the dopamine shortfall experienced in nicotine withdrawal and so may reduce the irritability and difficulty in concentrating linked to quitting smoking.

Bupropion may be particularly useful for those concerned about potential weight gain while quitting smoking as it has been shown to decrease appetite and the tendency to overeat.

5. Lobelia

There is anecdotal evidence which suggests that lobelia (also called Indian tobacco) can help people to stop smoking. Lobeline, the active ingredient in the lobelia plant, is thought to work by binding to the same receptor sites in the brain as nicotine, causing a release of dopamine, therefore helping with the mood swings and cravings that occur when stopping smoking.

Lobelia may also be effective in helping to clear excess mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes that smokers often experience on quitting, however, more research is needed to determine if this is accurate.

6. Vitamins B and C

Various studies have shown that smokers generally have lower concentrations of circulating B vitamins and lower levels of vitamin C as compared with non-smokers. Smokers often cite stress as one of the triggers that increases the craving for a cigarette. The B vitamins are known as the "anti-stress" vitamins and they can help to balance mood.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may help to protect the lungs from the oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke. So supplementing with these vitamins may help when stopping smoking.

7. Allen Carr's Easyway

Allen Carr's Easyway is one of the the bestselling books in the world. It minimizes the misconceptions of the smokers. The reason why they are smoking is not the actual reason. It cleares the mind of smokers and keeps them away from smoking too.

Past studies showed that smokers following the Allen Carr's method were six times more likely to have not smoked after 13 months compared with those going cold Turkey.