Stop Smoking Medication - Tips on Using Antidepressant Drugs

I wouldn't be so bold as to put the habit of smoking cigarettes or other forms of tobacco down as a disease. It's not a disease, but it sure is close to being one. Especially because it is hard to break that inclination once you are hooked on the substance.



There are a lot of ways that have been tried in the past with various levels of success. Some people actually have been able to quit smoking cold turkey, but that really is not very common. For the most part, a good number of people who break the habit end up relapsing before too long.



There are so many ways by which people try and/or succeed to stop smoking, but because of the addictiveness of the narcotic, few people will lay claims on any smoking cessation technique as being guaranteed. However, as you keep working, you may want to consider the idea of certain drugs that can help your smoking cessation program. There are more than a few of them and their use is rather sensitive. As a result, you may have to get a prescription from a certified psychologist before you can purchase most of these drugs.



The antidepressant drug bupropin has been in use to help with breaking the smoking habit for quite a while, and its application for that purpose seems to be growing of late. Basically, as its nomenclature suggests, it is used to prevent or reduce depression in patients suffering from that form of despair.



It works by regulating the levels of serotonin that are secreted in your system so that your craving for nicotine - the dangerous addictive substance in tobacco - can be greatly lessened. Bupropin is sold under the brand name Zyban in the United States, and no, you will not get it over the counter.

So Stop Smoking Drugs Really Help You Quit?

There are estimates the seventy percent--over thirty-one million--of America's forty-five million smokers either want to quit or have tried to quit and failed. Giving tobacco up for good is one of the hardest things anyone can ever be expected to do. Giving it up without some sort of stop smoking aids, in other words, going cold turkey, is almost impossible.



If you've decided that you've had enough of your tobacco habit, and are ready to give quitting a shot, don't be afraid to look for help. You'll need help from you family, of curse, who will have to bear with you during the early stages of nicotine withdrawal. But you can look for ways to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, and make life easier for both yourself and those around you.



The Two Approved Stop Smoking Drugs



The most convenient smoking cessation aid is the stop smoking drug; there are two which have been FDA-approved. The older, Zyban, is actually buproprion and has been marketed as an anti-depressant as Wellbutrin for years. When patients taking Wellbutrin for their depression reported that their nicotine cravings were diminishing, the makers of Wellbutrin developed a form of buproprion to sell as a stop smoking drug. It was the only stop smoking drug with FDA approval until May of 2006.



In May of 2006, after having the FDA fast track their stop smoking drug Chantix, Pfizer introduced it to the market. By stimulating the brain to release small amounts of dopamine, the stop smoking drug fools the nicotine receptors into thinking they are getting nicotine, so the nicotine craving diminishes.



As the stop smoking drug takes over some of the job of nicotine, nicotine cravings diminish, smoking no longer delivers the punch it once did, the smoker smokes less, and the nicotine addiction is weakened even further.



Comparing The Stop Smoking Drugs



Now that Chantix has been available for a year, its long-term statistics can be compared to those of Zyban. After one year 22% those who used the Chantix for the standard twelve week treatment period remained smoke free; for Zyban the one-year success rate is 15% and for nicotine replacement items like gum, patches, and lozenges, the long-term success rate is 10%.



Side effects of the stop smoking drug [http://www.stopsmokingaidsguide.com/Stop_Smoking_Programs/] Chantix include nausea and vomiting, difficulty sleeping and changes in dreams, and changes in the way some foods taste. The stop smoking drug Zyban can produce dry mouth and sleeplessness, and the nicotine replacement treatments may cause throat irritation in the case of lozenges and sprays, and dizziness or headaches in the case of patches.



If you are going to use a stop smoking drug to improve you chances of permanently kicking your nicotine addiction, you will, of course, have to consult you doctor. But whether or not you are interested in the drugs, trying to break an addiction is not something you should undertake without talking to your doctor first.

Treatments To Stop Smoking: New Drugs Available

The New Generation of Stop Smoking Drugs



There are a number of drugs specifically designed to help you quit smoking. These differ from nicotine replacement therapy as they don't use nicotine to wean you of the deadly smoking habit. Varenicline tartrate is one of these new drugs, or as it more commonly known, Champix. As all smokers know, the problem with quitting is that very soon after the last cigarette nicotine cravings start to kick in. As the statistics show, most people who stop smoking can't resist and resume their habit, once again.



Champix and Nicotine Cravings



Champix, and similar drugs, help to reduce nicotine cravings. They act by blocking receptors in the brain that would normally bind to nicotine. When you smoke, nicotine interacts with these receptors which then release dopamine. And it is dopamine that gives the smoker the pleasurable feeling associated with their habit. But the pleasure is short lived and the smoker is doomed to repeat the smoking cycle in order to renew their nicotine levels. Champix is administered in pill form and is usually taken over a 12 week period, although the duration of the treatment can be extended, if necessary. During the initial period of the treatment you can smoke, although nicotine doesn't exercise its usual pleasurable influence. Therefore, the drug has a dual therapeutic affect as it reduces nicotine cravings and smoking pleasure at the same time. After clinical trials, Champix became available in the United States as a smoking cessation aid in September 2006, soon after it was approved for use in the European Union.



How Effective is Champix



Does it work? Well yes, in double blind trials it has been found that smokers using Champix have a four fold chance of staying long term smoke free compared with smokers taking a placebo. This sounds impressive until you realise that this translates to about a 20% quit rate. It is certainly an improvement over quitting cold turkey as only 5% of individuals quitting by this means ultimately succeed. Quitting smoking is extremely hard and the poor success rates emphasise the enormity of nicotine addiction. Because tobacco is legal, people often under estimate nicotine's addictive properties. Addiction experts however, are under no illusions about nicotine's addictive powers and rank it as the top addictive drug, ranking higher even than heroin and morphine.



Possible Side Effects



Champix is only available by prescription and smokers will need to be assessed by a medical professional. It is not recommended for smokers under 18 years of age or for pregnant women. As with any drug, you need to be aware of possible effects and your doctor will explain these in detail when you are assessed to see whether the drug is a suitable quit smoking treatment for you. One common side effect encountered by users is nausea. Less common effects include headaches and difficulty sleeping.The drug has been associated with suicidal behaviour, although admittedly this side effect is considered rare. However, there are some doubts whether this is a genuine side effect of the drug or whether it reflects the action of nicotine withdrawal itself. In addition, there is a small, but demonstratible risk of cardiovascular problems.



Champix is no wonder drug, but it has been proven as an effective quit smoking treatment. As with all smoking cessation aids or products, Champix works best as part of a structured stop smoking program. It is not a replacement for will power and determination is still required for ultimate success.

Stop Smoking Medications - The Prescription Drugs to Stop Smoking

Smoking addiction is difficult to overcome. There are few stop smoking medications available in the market designed to help you quit smoking. These include:



1. Zyban



This antidepressant is available in a pill form and should be started a week before you quit smoking. It curbs your craving for a cigarette by increasing levels of specific brain chemicals. This increase lowers nicotine cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms.



Side Effects: Dry mouth, headache, insomnia, seizures, and agitated feelings



2. Chantix



This prescription drug increases dopamine levels in brain and you start feeling good. This drug blocks nicotine from reaching nicotine receptors in body. Withdrawal symptoms are few.



Side Effects: Trouble sleeping, constipation, vomiting, and nausea



3. Nicorette



These are available as small patches with self-adhesive packing for placing on your arm. They continue to supply small amounts of nicotine all through the day at a steady rate. You change patch daily and overcome nicotine cravings without serious withdrawal symptoms. Nicorette is also available as a chewable gum or as lozenges.



Side Effects: Skin rashes, small eruptions or boils within mouth, indigestion, heartburn, leg pain, and palpitations.



How Good are Prescription Drugs?



These prescription drugs to quit smoking may offer fast results but prove to be a huge compromise on your health. The chemicals in these drugs affect your stomach, liver, and heart severely. They can increase your chances of quitting smoking but may not be worth the risks associated with them.



If you want to avoid the side effects and expenses of stop smoking medications you may want to try a natural stop smoking method like NLP. It has a very high success rate without all the risks and costs associated with medications.

Quit Smoking Naturally - Ways to Kick the Cigarette Habit Without Drugs

Studies have proven just how harmful smoking can be to our overall health. If you're like many people, you probably got hooked on cigarettes when you were a teenager, and never realized how difficult it would be to kick the habit. The main problem is that your body now craves the nicotine you take in with every cigarette, and you're actually physically addicted to the nasty, terrible habit.



When you decide to stop smoking, you can either choose to get help from various smoking cessation aids, or try to quit smoking naturally.



It might be tempting to use a stop smoking aid. You can find a variety of pills, gums, patches, and other products that claim to help you kick the habit. But if you're worried about medication side-effects or worried about substituting one addiction for another, you can try some simple ways to quit smoking without the use of drugs.



It will definitely take some determination and commitment for you to stop smoking. Nicotine is a very addictive drug, and your body will continue to crave it when you stop inhaling it. So, give yourself a break, and understand that the process of quitting won't always be smooth.



To help you quit, exercise as much as possible. Exercising releases the same types of chemicals into your body that get released when you smoke cigarettes, and getting your blood moving can help you stave off your nicotine cravings.



Another way to hold off cravings is to quickly drink a glass of water when you feel a seemingly uncontrollable desire for a cigarette. This may be a short-term solution, but every hour you go without smoking will lead you closer to your goal of eliminating your addiction.



Join a stop smoking support group in your community. Sharing your experiences and receiving support will help keep you on track, and give you the motivation to keep going to break the habit. Whether you are able to quit smoking naturally, or decide to use one of the many stop smoking aids available, it's important that you keep your eyes on the prize - to stop smoking forever.

Can Stop Smoking Prescription Drugs Help You to Quit the Smoking Habit Permanently?

There are numerous stop smoking prescription drugs and aids to help you overcome your smoking addiction. Some are available over-the-counter while some are prescription drugs. You require a doctor's prescription to purchase them. Follow professional advice before trying any smoking cessation drugs. If you are allergic to any food or medication, inform your physician before starting on stop smoking drugs.



Doctors analyze your health condition and suggest medications accordingly. Some medications continue to provide your body with nicotine, although in gradually reducing doses. Eventually you overcome your urge for nicotine and that is how you quit smoking.



The major downside of these medications is that you get back your urge to smoke after few months. The effect of these medications wane away and you are back smoking.



Prescription drugs are no magic pills and you do not overcome the addiction permanently. Hence, the effect of prescription drugs is only for limited period. Then why use these drugs and suffer all side effects? Instead, go for natural therapies and other similar ways to overcome your smoking habit.



Prescription drugs are more harmful for women specifically pregnant or lactating mothers. If you are on a quit smoking medication and become pregnant, check with your physician for possible complications.



Instead of trying these medications, choose natural treatments that can help avoid the costs and side effects associated with medications.



One of the best all natural stop smoking treatments is NLP. It stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming but do not let the fancy name scare you. It is a branch of therapy that has been around for years and has proven to be very successful at helping people quit smoking with a much higher success rate than any stop smoking medication with no side effects.



NLP works so well because it targets and eliminates the cravings to smoke. And it does it permanently compared to stop smoking prescription drugs which only remove cravings while you are on them.

10 Ways To Quit Smoking - Without Patches, Drugs Or Pills

Out of curiousity, I had to know what the most successful ex-smokers have done. There are 10 ways to quit smoking and they really quite easy to do. Keep an open mind and spend the next 10 minutes of your time picking a few methods down on paper.



Here are the top 10 ways to quit smoking for good.



1. Chew Gum



Items like carrots, bread-sticks, hard candy, chewing gums and even straws can give you something to "stay busy" when you really crave a cigarette.



2. Pick Up An Active Sport



Try to go for some exercise like running or a certain sport whenever you really want a cigarette and avoid spots where you normally smoke.



Not only does it keeps your mind off smoking and more energy but also helps you control your weight. A nice 3-in-1 benefit for you.



3. Floss Everyday



This may sound amusing to you, but just think about it. You'll save money, smell better (by keeping mouth plaque at bay), you will be healthier. What else could be better?



4. Brush Your Teeth Often.



Among the top 10 ways to quit smoking, this definitely goes hand in hand with method 3. Imagine white flashy teeth and the sexy gums to show when you smile.



5. Get Stuck On Eating Chocolate



Besides being sweet, it is more fun I tell you!



You definitely will not get toothache since you're already brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Milk chocolate is one of your snack foods that is least likely to contribute to tooth decay, since it contains phosphate and other minerals. Don't drool.



6. Keep A Pen



Or a pencil handy. So, every time you get a real craving grab a hold of the pen or pencil like it was a cigarette. If you could get yourself a stick of gum like mentioned in method 1, chew on it.



7. Drink Lots Of Water



Just drink water regularly. You will agree that this method would be the most common among the 10 ways to quit smoking. In fact, water will help flush nicotine from your system and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.



8. Avoid Caffeine After 6pm.



Okay, I love coffee too. However, this is an actual contribution from a fellow ex-smoker. Studies show that, people who have high blood pressure are likely affected by the combined effects of smoking and drinking coffee. Why after 6pm? Start here.



9. Cold Turkey?



Here's a little something you can do as an alternative, instead of smoking when you get up and after breakfast, smoke after one or the other. Cold turkey is not something I want to push to you as one of the top 10 ways to quit smoking. That's why you have an alternative here.



10. Don't Put It In Your Mouth



Don't light it. You know what I mean.



These are the most popular and recommended 10 ways to quit smoking genuinely expressed from the heart. Start living that smoke free life you always wanted starting today.

Stop Smoking Without Drugs - Fighting the Mental Addiction

To stop smoking without drugs you are going to fight a hard battle, but it is not much more difficult than trying to quit with drugs. But, how do you quit smoking cold turkey without reverting back to cigarettes? You have to fight the mental addiction head on. 



The physical addiction is easy to fight. You can simply replace what your body wants with other things. You can replace nicotine with a patch or some gum if you must. The act of holding a cigarette can be replaced by holding a pen or pencil. You can replace the need to have something in your mouth with a drinking straw. Overall, the physical addiction is easily amused by other means.



Fighting the mental addiction will be one of the hardest things you ever do. Your mind has turned smoking cigarettes into a habit that must be done as a part of daily life. To you, the act of smoking is as necessary as breathing or taking a shower. The overall desire to light up and smoke will eat at you and make you want to give up.



This is where you need to dig in, take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Many times you will find that this simple act can help. You should also add in some exercise to keep yourself moving and your mind off of cigarettes. Instead of smoking a cigarette you should take the dog for a walk or shoot some hoops. 



If you truly hate physical activity you should replace smoking with anything you don't associate with smoking, like going out to the movies where you cannot light up. If you want to stop smoking without drugs you are going to need an abundance of willpower, but this is a battle can can be won.

Using Drugs to Quit Smoking

It has been established by the medical fraternity the world over that nicotine dependency is detrimental to your health, and this is the foremost reason that many smokers want to quit smoking. Quitting isn't easy for most people and often they make several attempts before they finally kicking the smoking habit, but many fail even after repeated attempts.



There are a wide range of strategies and products available to help you quit smoking, but there is no fixed 'cure' that works for everyone. While some people manage to quit using behavioural modification therapy, some use nicotine replacements (such as chewing gum, lozenges, sprays, patches, etc.), and some manage to quit without the use of any products or techniques, commonly referred to as going 'cold turkey'.



There also been a plethora of medical products that have become available to help smokers wean off the habit. Of course none of the drugs guarantee that you will quit smoking, but they can help increase the possibility. For people who've been unsuccessful using other methods, stop smoking drugs such as 'Zyban' or 'Chantix' could be the answer.



The Role of Dopamine in Smoking Addiction:
Nicotine is known to activate a similar 'reward system' associated with other drugs such as amphetamine or cocaine, albeit as a lesser level. According to research, nicotine works by increasing dopamine levels (a chemical in the brain which is responsible for 'well-being' and 'pleasure' feelings), and since the nicotinic effect wears off quite soon, a smoker feels the urge to smoke again. Varenicline Tartrate works by blocking nicotine from activating the nicotine receptors, thereby preventing dopamine stimulation. Bupropion Hydrochloride inhibits the reuptake of dopamine (amongst other chemicals found in the brain), and this results in the availability of more dopamine in the system.



Varenicline Tartrate (Chantix):
Chantix has received the American FDA's approval and is made available to adults who want to quit smoking, although one needs a prescription for this drug that was introduced into the market by Pfizer Inc. Chantix has no nicotine, but is known to act upon the brain receptors which come into play when nicotine enters the system. The use of Chantix starts a week before the smoker stops smoking, and the general course runs for about twelve weeks. It can have a relatively high cost, but of course the cost of Chantix pales in comparison to the savings that would result if you do manage to successfully kick the smoking habit.



Effects of the Chantix Drug:
Chantix is known to stimulate areas in the brain referred to as 'nicotinic acetylcholine receptors' which are influenced by nicotine. This, in turn, produces an effect similar to that produced by nicotine. Additionally, Chantix can also help override the effects produced by nicotine when a smoker smokes after being on this medication. Since Chantix is designed to activate a smoker's nicotine receptors partially, it can help in reducing the withdrawal symptoms and cravings that are generally linked with quitting smoking. And since it also brings down the sense of satisfaction that smoking produces, it can also help prevent chances of a relapse. A large number of Chantix users are of the opinion that while on Chantix smoking is nowhere near as pleasurable as it used to be.



Possible Side Effects of Using Chantix:
The side effects associated with the use of Chantix can include a change in dreaming patterns, constipation, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Chantix is not recommended to people who suffer from any chronic medical condition and isn't recommended for women who are either pregnant or breast-feeding.



Bupropion Hydrochloride (Zyban, Wellbutrin)
Commonly referred to as Bupropion Zyban and Bupropion Wellbutrin, this is a drug that is generally used to treat depression. However, this drug has also been successfully used by people trying to quit smoking. Often referred to as generic 'Zyban' and 'Wellbutrin', these are actually brand names of the generic drug Bupropion Hydrochloride. Also, while this drug is not recommended to all smokers who need help in quitting smoking, it can help in reducing the discomforts that are linked with the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine dependency. At times, it is prescribed to people who have failed in their previous quit smoking attempts.



When this drug is used to quit smoking, a 150 mg dose is taken once a day for around three days, and if the patient is able to tolerate the dose, then the dosage is subsequently increased. After being on this drug for two weeks, the patient is asked to discontinue smoking. And even though one can buy Zyban online, seeking a doctor's advice before walking this path is always suggested.



Contraindications:
The use of this drug is not suggested to people who suffer from eating disorders (anorexia & bulimia), to people who suffer from epilepsy, to people who use MAO inhibitors (psychosis drugs), and to people who have recently stopped using ethanol and/or sedatives such as Valium and Xanax. It should be used with particular care (and preferably under medical supervision) in people who use drugs to minimize the risk of seizures (these include all drugs under the phenothiazine class, as well as chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine). Using this drug is not recommended if you have just stopped drinking as well.



Zyban/Wellbutrin Side Effects:
The side effects associated with the use of Zyban/Wellbutrin include headaches, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, agitation, as well as change in dietary patterns. Seizures, although uncommon, can also occur.



Conclusion:
In a recent study conducted by experts at 'Consumer Reports' which involved more than a thousand subjects, three different quit smoking methods were studied. These included the use of Varenicline Tartrate, Bupropion Hydrochloride, and lastly, a placebo. While the use of Varenicline Tartrate showed success in 23% of the subjects, Bupropion Hydrochloride was successful with 14% of the subjects, and the placebo helped 10% of the subjects in quitting smoking.



This only goes to show that guaranteed success cannot be expected by any quit smoking method, and one needs to figure out which method will work in each individual case. Also important to note is that experts opine that Varenicline Tartrate (Chantix) and Bupropion Hydrochloride (Zyban and Wellbutrin) should not be used together to increase the possibility of quitting smoking as this combination could be quite dangerous. And if you do intend to use either of these drugs, seeking professional medical advice at the onset in advised.

Quit Smoking Drugs That Effectively Curb Your Smoking Cravings

When you tried to quit smoking but failed again and again? If so, quit smoking drugs may be the answer. Here are some drugs that are known to be effective in helping you curb your cravings.



1. Zyban



This drug was first developed as an antidepressant. It is also known as Wellbutrin or Buproprion Hydrochloride. What this medication does is to reduce your nicotine withdrawal symptoms.



While it will not eliminate all your typical withdrawal symptoms, it can definitely make them much weaker. At the same time, do not confuse this with any other nicotine patch or gum, as Zyban does not contain any nicotine.



To get Zyban, you need a prescription from your doctor. Once you start taking it, you have to continue eating it for at least 8 weeks. Seek the advice of your doctor on how much should your daily dose be.



Do note that Zyban has known side effects which include body pains and insomnia. Hence, check out with your doctor before starting on your prescription.



2. Champix



Another quit smoking drug is Champix. This is the first non-nicotine drug specially designed for smokers keen to kick the habit.



This medication works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain to help reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms and also the pleasures from smoking.



The known side effect for this drug is nausea. Among the quit smoking drugs, Champix has a much higher success rate than others.



Although we have stated 2 quit smoking drugs here, you need to decide if these drugs are suitable for your needs. You need to realize that not all medications are suitable for you so if you are in doubt, it is best to seek the opinion of your doctor. After all, there is nothing more important than your health.

Smoking Cessation Drugs - Are They Harmful?

Smoking cessation drugs cause side effects; some are severe while some are little less severe. Doctors educate people on these effects even while prescribing them.



Smoking cessation drugs work by changing the chemical constituents of your brain albeit artificially. When you smoke, nicotine causes a change in brain chemicals and you feel elated, happy, and feel a sense of well being. These drugs create similar situation. You get the same feeling without smoking cigarettes.



However, your health deteriorates due to change in body chemicals. These translate into side effects. You suffer side effects during the prescribed pill therapy period of eight to twelve weeks. Even thereafter, you can suffer from similar side effects for a very long period.



Sometime, side effects prove very difficult to bear and you feel whether it was better to smoke than try to quit smoking. Many a time, you start different addictions like drinking soda or other sugary beverages, munching on snacks, and others. These cause excessive weight gain. You adopt another unhealthy lifestyle.



Smoking cessation drugs can be harmful and cause long-term pain and suffering. Some perpetuate other health disorders and you suffer major health setbacks. You develop kidney ailments, heart problems, stomach and liver disorders, breathlessness, and suffer from mental problems like depression or anxiety.



Instead of a pill you may want to try an all natural method to stop smoking to avoid the costs and side effects related to medications. The most successful natural stop smoking method is NLP.



NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming and it is a branch of psychotherapy that has proven to be extremely successful as a stop smoking method. It works so well because it targets and eliminates the cravings to smoke. In a recent test of 5,000 smokers that participated in an NLP session to quit smoking 97.2% of them were still smoke free six months later. That success rate far exceeds the success rate of any smoking cessation drugs.

Stop Smoking Hypnosis: Quit Cigarettes Without Drugs Or Patches

Would you like to quit smoking in an easy and safe way? In the effort to quit this addiction, people employ many different techniques most of which fail in the long run. Stop smoking hypnosis technique has however been used by many individuals to great levels of success. The success rate of the technique depends entirely on how discipline and motivation are handled by the individual. The technique is found as effective and beneficial due to many reasons, some of which are discussed in this article.



There are two types of hypnosis used which are self directed where an individual manages it himself by use relevant resource materials such as tapes and DVDs. The other model entails attending sessions facilitated with a trained and skilled hypnotherapist. All these methods command a great deal of commitment and motivation with the later effectively provided by the hypnotherapist and other individuals who have succeeded in the same quest by the use of this technique.



The use of CDs and DVDs is definitely cheaper than the model of attending sessions with trained hypnotherapist professionals. Watching these recorded materials is also convenient for they can be used at any time. The choice of method to be used by an individual is subject to the considerations of factors like convenience and cost. One needs to consult with a doctor first before deciding on the method to be used.



The technique works by achieving a state of relaxation whereby the mind of an individual is open to receive suggestions into the plane of the subconscious. People have however associated this method of quitting being a smoker with turning the individual into a slave with no control over their own mind. This is not true since you cannot be forced to do something against your consciousness when in a hypnotic state.



The subconscious mind is able to receive suggestions but it is not accessible in the normal consciousness. Smoking has been associated with pleasure in the subconscious mind hence medication alone will not be effective since it will only be dealing with the conscious mind. It is hence true that a combination of this technique and pharmaceutical drugs effectively helps in quitting the addiction. Apart from just stopping smoking, hypnotherapy is also associated with impacting improved lifestyles to the individuals.



In order to quit the addiction, the technique involves altering the condition of the subconscious mind by adjusting it to realize the necessity of quitting being a smoker. This is not possible without willpower for it is needed in every step and action. The power bestowed in our inner mind is effectively unlocked and considering the fact that our imagination is stronger than the willpower the person can easily change from the behavior.



All models of hypnosis whether employing the CDs and tapes or attending sessions with a professional hypnotherapist involves listening to positive ideas; suggestions along with guided visualizations which make a person see the need of quitting. The desire of quitting is gained slowly and finally takes effect.



It is always advisable to do a research before attaining the services of a hypnotherapist. It is only through effective application of the technique with a qualified therapist who will apply a good level of knowledge and skill making the process ethical and safe that an individual will get quality service.

The Top 2 New Quit Smoking Drugs

Nowadays, besides nicotine patches, there are also many new quit smoking drugs that are developed. Some of these include Chantex and Zyban. These are cessation drugs that increase the success rate of smokers planning to quit by reducing their cravings or withdrawals.



Chantex is a new quit smoking drug that has been approved by FDA in May 2006. It contains the drug varenicline which blocks the effects of nicotine while providing a nicotine-like 'buzz'. It is available only through prescription and has to be taken a week before quitting smoking.



Usually, a low dosage is taken at start and which will then have to be increased after a period of 3 or 4 days. Recent studies showed that Chantex has been more effective than nicotine patches. However, some of its side effects include nausea, flatulence and constipation, headache and difficulty in sleeping, alongside with the development of nightmares.



Similarly, Zyban is also a tablet that can be made available only through the prescription of a doctor. It contains the drug called buprroprion, which has been originally used to treat depression. While its effectiveness may be lower than varenicline, it is still higher than placebo. The common side effects from Zyban include anxiety, headache, insomnia, irritability and in the worst case, seizures.



Besides using drugs or medications, there are also numerous ways to help you to quit smoking. For instance, after seeking medical attention, it would be wise to engage in other recreational activities which divert your attention away from smoking. This may include jogging, walking, meditating, gardening, sewing and knitting.



Do keep in mind that you are the one who can decide if you want to stop smoking. No amount of quit smoking drugs can help if your mind is not ready for it.

Stop Smoking Medication - Helpful Guide to Using Antidepressant Drugs

Drugs block the effect of withdrawal from the chemicals in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Some, like Scopolamine and Atarax, which block the brain nicotine receptors and ease your physical withdrawal pains as you try to stay off of the substance, are applied intravenously for best effect - the Scopolamine Medicated Anticholinergic Receptor Treatment, SMART, has been in use in that capacity for years.



Other types of drugs that help with quit smoking efforts include Chantix and Atropine, and a number of other neurotransmitter drugs. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, SNRIs, are mostly also used as depression medications, but they do have some application in helping people to quit smoking, albeit under strict supervision. Drugs like venlafaxine or mirtazapine, which prevent the neurotransmitters serotonin and norephinephrine from binding to nearby nerve cells, have found controversial use in this same department.



Basically, the biggest problem with smoking cessation drugs is the side effects that they have. The chief side effect of such medications is dehydration. Others include nausea, sleeplessness or insomnia, mood alterations, gas, constipation, headaches, allergic rashes, loss of taste, and a number of others. As a result of the severity of some of these symptoms, many physicians actually question the efficacy of these drugs and would much rather have their quit smoking patients on any number of other stop smoking techniques.



But do smoking cessation drugs work? Statistics show that they do. The question is how badly do you want to break the habit? Is it enough to put up with the side effects? If it is, you may as well just stay with any program or medication that you are placed on.

Should You Take Prescription Drugs to Stop Smoking?

A physician may prescribe 150 mg Zyban to stop smoking. Zyban is a brand name of the drug Bupropion. It is also sold under the name Wellbutrin and is sometimes prescribed for depression in the United States.



The drug was originally approved by the FDA as an antidepressant in 1984, but was removed from the market due to an increased risk of seizures in persons using the drug. GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturers of the drug, were able to show that by reducing the dosage, the risk of seizure was decreased to less than .4%.



The drug was re-released in 1989 and approved for use in treating depression. The maximum daily dosage is 450mg/day.



In 1997, Bupropion was approved by the FDA as a stop smoking aid. In those who use 150 mg Zyban to stop smoking, the risk of seizures is .1%. In 2000, the UK approved the use of Zyban to stop smoking, but not for the treatment of depression.



Over the years other anti-depressants have been prescribed to reduce the severity of cravings that sometimes accompany nicotine withdrawal. But, anti-depressants are often accompanied by sexual dysfunction, which leads many people to stop using the drugs.



This is one advantage of Zyban to stop smoking. It does not cause sexual dysfunction. In fact there is evidence to suggest that it may be useful in treating sexual dysfunction, although it is not approved for that use. The 150 mg Zyban to stop smoking dosage would probably not improve sexual function. The studies supporting the drugs use for that purpose have been conducted using higher dosages.



Zyban and other "stop smoking drugs" work by affecting the brain's production or depletion of a "feel-good" chemical known as dopamine. There is always a possibility that a person will become addicted to these drugs, in the same way that they have become addicted to nicotine. Since, nicotine is addictive because it increases dopamine production.



There is no reason to believe that the 150 mg Zyban to stop smoking dosage is completely safe. It can damage the liver, since the substance eventually ends up in the liver. It is known to increase blood pressure. And, like other anti-depressants is accompanied by a "black box warning" due to an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in adolescents. Some scientists would like to see the warning expanded to include persons of any age group.



To learn more, please visit us online at http://www.stop-smoking-blog.com

5 Best Ways to Quit Cigarettes Fast - Natural Tricks to Stop Smoking Without Drugs

How many times have you attempted to quit cigarettes? It is really a challenge to quit smoking, isn't it? Quitting cigarettes is not easy, but it can be done. Some people try medications such as nicotine replacement products or other drugs available on prescription. But if you are able just to change your behavior (the natural therapy) you would be able to free yourself from this bad habit fast and forever. Let's consider 5 best ways or tricks to quit cigarettes fast without drugs.



1) Be motivated



To tell the truth, without a strong motivation it is impossible to quit cigarettes. On a sheet of paper, make three columns. In the first one write down all the smoke-related diseases you have heard about. In the second one write down what are your own motivations to stop smoking. In the third one you can put all the benefits you will have to be free of that bad habit. Keep this piece of paper with you and read it as many times as you can every day in order to boost your motivation level. Think positive.Let your family and friends know you are planning to stop smoking.



2) Choose a Personal Tactic



How are you going to break free from smoking? Gradually or Suddenly? Since you know yourself better than anyone, ask yourself: 'Will be better to stop suddenly and totally or cut down progressively at a pace I feel comfortable with?' Then, stick to your plan.



3) Avoid Temptations



First at all, throw out all cigarettes and ashtrays from your home, car and office. Ask yourself: 'In my case, what will be an incitement to smoke? Drinking a coffee? What else?' If your friends are smokers, ask them to quit smoking with you. If they are genuine friends, they will respect your decision. The rule is the follow one: Do not put yourself into any kind of situation where you could be tempted to smoke.



4) Apply the Substitution Method



If you feel the strong desire to smoke a cigarette, breathe deeply, drink something, eat something, walk or do anything else, but delay! The experience shows that cravings to smoke pass after just a few seconds or minutes. Be strong!



5) Learn from your Relapse



A high percentage of smokers who want to stop smoking fail numerous times before succeeding. If you fall, try to learn something new about yourself in order to refine the anti-smoking strategy. Don't give up!



Jane's Case



How did you find these tips? Jane has been a smoker for 32 years and had tried to quit more times than she can remember. She was able to break free from smoking very fast following the above advices and many others which are parts of a comprehensive and effective Stop Smoking Plan [http://www.mystopsmoking.info/]. She doesn't miss cigarettes anymore and she feels so proud of herself.

Quit Smoking Naturally - Ways to Kick the Cigarette Habit Without Drugs

Studies have proven just how harmful smoking can be to our overall health. If you're like many people, you probably got hooked on cigarettes when you were a teenager, and never realized how difficult it would be to kick the habit. The main problem is that your body now craves the nicotine you take in with every cigarette, and you're actually physically addicted to the nasty, terrible habit.



When you decide to stop smoking, you can either choose to get help from various smoking cessation aids, or try to quit smoking naturally.



It might be tempting to use a stop smoking aid. You can find a variety of pills, gums, patches, and other products that claim to help you kick the habit. But if you're worried about medication side-effects or worried about substituting one addiction for another, you can try some simple ways to quit smoking without the use of drugs.



It will definitely take some determination and commitment for you to stop smoking. Nicotine is a very addictive drug, and your body will continue to crave it when you stop inhaling it. So, give yourself a break, and understand that the process of quitting won't always be smooth.



To help you quit, exercise as much as possible. Exercising releases the same types of chemicals into your body that get released when you smoke cigarettes, and getting your blood moving can help you stave off your nicotine cravings.



Another way to hold off cravings is to quickly drink a glass of water when you feel a seemingly uncontrollable desire for a cigarette. This may be a short-term solution, but every hour you go without smoking will lead you closer to your goal of eliminating your addiction.



Join a stop smoking support group in your community. Sharing your experiences and receiving support will help keep you on track, and give you the motivation to keep going to break the habit. Whether you are able to quit smoking naturally, or decide to use one of the many stop smoking aids available, it's important that you keep your eyes on the prize - to stop smoking forever.

Quit Smoking Naturally - Ways to Kick the Cigarette Habit Without Drugs

Studies have proven just how harmful smoking can be to our overall health. If you're like many people, you probably got hooked on cigarettes when you were a teenager, and never realized how difficult it would be to kick the habit. The main problem is that your body now craves the nicotine you take in with every cigarette, and you're actually physically addicted to the nasty, terrible habit.



When you decide to stop smoking, you can either choose to get help from various smoking cessation aids, or try to quit smoking naturally.



It might be tempting to use a stop smoking aid. You can find a variety of pills, gums, patches, and other products that claim to help you kick the habit. But if you're worried about medication side-effects or worried about substituting one addiction for another, you can try some simple ways to quit smoking without the use of drugs.



It will definitely take some determination and commitment for you to stop smoking. Nicotine is a very addictive drug, and your body will continue to crave it when you stop inhaling it. So, give yourself a break, and understand that the process of quitting won't always be smooth.



To help you quit, exercise as much as possible. Exercising releases the same types of chemicals into your body that get released when you smoke cigarettes, and getting your blood moving can help you stave off your nicotine cravings.



Another way to hold off cravings is to quickly drink a glass of water when you feel a seemingly uncontrollable desire for a cigarette. This may be a short-term solution, but every hour you go without smoking will lead you closer to your goal of eliminating your addiction.



Join a stop smoking support group in your community. Sharing your experiences and receiving support will help keep you on track, and give you the motivation to keep going to break the habit. Whether you are able to quit smoking naturally, or decide to use one of the many stop smoking aids available, it's important that you keep your eyes on the prize - to stop smoking forever.

Stop Smoking Programs - Using Drugs, Group Therapy and Laser Light Therapy Treatment

A program that does a great deal for smokers who are trying to quit is the use of drugs. Again, stop smoking drugs are not medications you will come about without appropriate medical prescriptions.



Most of these drugs do not contain nicotine in them, but they help to minimize and manage the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine during the early stages when you are trying to stop smoking. Rather than feel the intense nausea, anxiety, and headaches that are associated with those times, all you have to do is pop a pill as described, and you will be fine.



Most people these days prefer the laser light therapy treatment program for smokers. Requiring no effort on your part, all you have to do is sit down while laser light is used to caress your nerve centers, prompting your system to release endorphins that make you feel the relief of smoking.



Along with lots of other products that are online, which help you break the habit and stay clean afterwards, you should have no trouble with laser treatment. The best stop smoking program for you, though, is a blend of as many of these other programs as you can manage.



Research gives results that prove that about sixty percent of people who try three stop smoking programs at once tend to stay away from the destructive habit. Compared to the seventy percent of people that relapse who try only one program at a time, I'd say - why not try more than one method, program or product to help you quit the habit?

So Stop Smoking Drugs Really Help You Quit?

There are estimates the seventy percent--over thirty-one million--of America's forty-five million smokers either want to quit or have tried to quit and failed. Giving tobacco up for good is one of the hardest things anyone can ever be expected to do. Giving it up without some sort of stop smoking aids, in other words, going cold turkey, is almost impossible.



If you've decided that you've had enough of your tobacco habit, and are ready to give quitting a shot, don't be afraid to look for help. You'll need help from you family, of curse, who will have to bear with you during the early stages of nicotine withdrawal. But you can look for ways to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, and make life easier for both yourself and those around you.



The Two Approved Stop Smoking Drugs



The most convenient smoking cessation aid is the stop smoking drug; there are two which have been FDA-approved. The older, Zyban, is actually buproprion and has been marketed as an anti-depressant as Wellbutrin for years. When patients taking Wellbutrin for their depression reported that their nicotine cravings were diminishing, the makers of Wellbutrin developed a form of buproprion to sell as a stop smoking drug. It was the only stop smoking drug with FDA approval until May of 2006.



In May of 2006, after having the FDA fast track their stop smoking drug Chantix, Pfizer introduced it to the market. By stimulating the brain to release small amounts of dopamine, the stop smoking drug fools the nicotine receptors into thinking they are getting nicotine, so the nicotine craving diminishes.



As the stop smoking drug takes over some of the job of nicotine, nicotine cravings diminish, smoking no longer delivers the punch it once did, the smoker smokes less, and the nicotine addiction is weakened even further.



Comparing The Stop Smoking Drugs



Now that Chantix has been available for a year, its long-term statistics can be compared to those of Zyban. After one year 22% those who used the Chantix for the standard twelve week treatment period remained smoke free; for Zyban the one-year success rate is 15% and for nicotine replacement items like gum, patches, and lozenges, the long-term success rate is 10%.



Side effects of the stop smoking drug [http://www.stopsmokingaidsguide.com/Stop_Smoking_Programs/] Chantix include nausea and vomiting, difficulty sleeping and changes in dreams, and changes in the way some foods taste. The stop smoking drug Zyban can produce dry mouth and sleeplessness, and the nicotine replacement treatments may cause throat irritation in the case of lozenges and sprays, and dizziness or headaches in the case of patches.



If you are going to use a stop smoking drug to improve you chances of permanently kicking your nicotine addiction, you will, of course, have to consult you doctor. But whether or not you are interested in the drugs, trying to break an addiction is not something you should undertake without talking to your doctor first.