4/21/2013

Hypnosis has been viewed as an effective method of changing habits for many years. It was recognized as a viable treatment in 1957 by the American Medical Association and the British Medical Association. And even before that it was used by Dr. James Esdaile as far back as 1845 as an analgesic so that he could perform what would be an extremely painful surgery on a patient without the use of chemical anesthesia.



If you can change a person's perception of pain and cut into that person in a very tender area of their body, don't you think that hypnosis used properly could change your perceptions about other things? And that is one of the ways that hypnosis to quit smoking can help you become a nonsmoker.



The way that you respond to being without cigarettes is only a perception. You saw how powerfully you can change your perceptions to the physical sensation of pain. Hypnosis can change the way that you respond to any physical and mental withdrawal that stopping smoking might produce. Would you be more able to continue being a nonsmoker once you stop, if you didn't have to deal with any of the withdrawals that are associated with quitting smoking? Of course you would!



There is also some mistaken ideas that you hold onto about cigarettes and what they do for you. Some people think that smoking calms them down. Nicotine is a stimulant, so I have to ask, how do you think taking a stimulant could have a calming affect? It couldn't! There's something else going on that causes that calming affect because it's definitely not the cigarette.



When you do a behavior and make an association between that behavior and a feeling it becomes a cause and effect relationship. When you were a teenager you probably listened to music. Music is a fad or transient phenomena. It is popular for a time and then some other music comes in to take it's place. If you were to listen to a song today that was popular when you were a teen, just the sound of that music could transport you back in time to the feelings, thoughts, and images of things going on in your life around that time. You have created a connection between those sounds and those images, thoughts, and feelings. And that's what you've done with smoking as well. You've created an association between smoking and feeling relaxed.



This association between smoking and relaxation shows how really powerful your mind truly is. It has overridden the physical component of nicotine that acts as a stimulant to give you the feeling of relaxation. Imagine how much relaxation you could really feel without the interference of nicotine.



Using hypnosis to quit smoking you will create better and healthier associations that have nothing to do with smoking. You will rid yourself of the illusions of what you think smoking is doing for you and the misconception that quitting smoking is hard. And since there are also individual and personal reasons that smokers have created about smoking, working with a smoking hypnotist will get to the root of those problems as well.
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If you are researching stop smoking aides to help someone stop smoking, I am here to assist you! I actually won my battle with nicotine addiction over fifteen years ago. It is not an easy battle to wage but with the right tools and information it can be won with relative ease. Let us begin with 4 quit smoking aides that could be used to fight the battle to become smoke free!



# 1. Group therapy or counseling



Joining a support group for people who are quitting increases a smokers odds of quitting for good. In addition to this, joining an online quit smoking forum will give the smoker access to support 24/7. The more motivation the smoker can get, the better!



# 2. Nicotine Replacement Therapy



Nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, sprays and inhalers are aids that work by giving the smoker nicotine without actually smoking. Smokers are 50 to 100% more likely to quit if they use a nicotine replacement aid. Importantly, these can be used in combination with other methods to quit.



# 3. Medicine



There are now some effective prescription drugs on the market made to help people quit smoking. Zyban and Chantix are perhaps the top two.The smoker would need to consult his doctor to see if he qualifies for this method.



# 4. Hypnosis



Many people find this method useful. The main concern with this method is to find a qualified hypnotherapist. The smoker's doctor should be asked to recommend one.



Remember, the first few weeks of quitting are definitely the toughest. It is important that the smoker be armed with whatever help he needs to get him through the initial withdrawal stage. Any of the above methods can help the smoker cope with symptoms of his withdrawal. Do not encourage the smoker to go cold turkey. It is the hardest and least effective way to quit. Rely on stop smoking aides to help someone stop smoking.
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Health Benefits of Tea Drinking



Can drinking tea actually help you quit smoking? In this article I'm going to have a critical look at the assertion that drinking tea can help with quitting the deadly habit of smoking tobacco. I'm aware that tea, especially green tea, has been shown to contain anti-oxidants. Oxidants are chemicals formed in the body due to a variety of reasons. Smoking is one reason why these chemicals are created. These chemicals are important because they react with cellular components causing cell damage. In turn this results in genetic damage and genetic damage is a step towards cancer. The anti-oxidants in green tea have been scientifically shown to mop up oxidants. Therefore, green tea can possibly help combat the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke to some degree.



The Claims of Tea Drinking



Teas to help stop smoking? Are there any ingredients in tea that are of help in quitting smoking? There is no doubt that tea contains chemicals that can influence the body in a number of ways. However, is there any sound scientific evidence that supports the claim that tea drinking helps, in any way, to quit smoking? There are teas that can act as an expectorant; that is, they help to clear the chest of phlegm. Exponents advocate that drinking tea can relieve anxiety and reduce stress, detoxify the body, renew and improve lung function and suppress appetite. It is claimed that peppermint tea helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and supposedly helps curb nicotine cravings. It is also claimed that drinking green tea can help to burn calories thus counteracting weight gain which is often a problem during the initial phase of the quit smoking process.



Teas to Help Stop Smoking- The reality



The scientific evidence for green tea having anti-oxidant properties is convincing. Therefore, green tea may actually help to reduce the risk of smoking related cancer. The worry of course is that the anti-oxidant properties of green tea may discourage smokers from quitting. The anti-cancer benefits are relative and don't equate to returning the smoker to the lung cancer risk of the non-smoker. Evidence in support of drinking tea to help reduce nicotine cravings is less conclusive. I suspect that many of the claims for tea drinking, as a quit smoking aid, are scientifically unsupported. As with many so called 'natural' products that are put forward to help stop smoking the benefits are perceived rather than real. They act as a psychological crutch. However, this psychological aspect of the quitting process should not be underestimated. If someone honestly thinks that it helps, then it probably does.



In the final analysis, I am of the opinion that the claim that drinking tea to help stop smoking is overstated. There is no doubt that green tea is a health tonic. However, as a quit smoking aid, apart from providing psychological support, there are no real benefits.



To learn proven and tested ways to quit smoking go to tipstohelpstopsmoking.com
Posted by Admin On 12:02 AM No comments READ FULL POST

4/20/2013

 Someone you care about smokes but they have decided to quit. This is a great time for you to show your love with understanding support. There are certain steps you can take to help your smoker while he is facing one of the biggest challenges of his life. Here are some useful ways to help someone stop smoking.  



If you are an ex smoker yourself, as I am, it is much easier to empathize with a smoker's dilemma when it is time to quit. You understand the cravings, anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Be sure to share your experience with the smoker. Let him know you realize he has a tough road ahead but at the same time share with him how much better you feel since quitting. Give him any good tips you used to help you meet your challenge.  



If you do not smoke, do not act superior. Just let the person know you realize how hard it is to tackle an addiction. Tell him positive stories of other people you know who have quit.  



If you are smoking now, this would be a great opportunity to quit together. However, it is okay if you are not ready. Just let your smoker know if you have tried to quit. Tell him you believe he is the one who can actually do it.  



Never lecture on the effects of smoking. Believe me, the smoker is already aware of the dangers and it is a big reason he wants to quit. Instead, reinforce the benefits he will enjoy from quitting. Emphasize the improvements in his health, the way he looks and even the savings of quite a bit of money!  



To help someone stop smoking you have to be ready for some irritability and crankiness. Nicotine withdrawal is very uncomfortable. Perhaps you could help your friend research and find a nicotine replacement aid that would ease some of the withdrawal symptoms.  



A smoker usually has certain things that give him an almost uncontrollable urge to smoke often referred to as triggers. Ask the person what his are and then help him avoid them. Sometimes smokers light up right after a meal. In this case, you could suggest a walk. Alcohol is another fairly common trigger. Avoid going to places where alcohol is served.  



Remember, being positive is key. Always comment on the milestones. A day without a cigarette may not seem much of an accomplishment to you, but to a smoker it is major! Having your support is going to make a huge difference to your smoker. You never know which display of your support will be the one that helps him over the hump and on his way to a life free of nicotine. It is worth your effort to help someone you care about beat the habit!
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Quitting the habit is easy. In fact, so many people have done it for so many, many times. You can even say to yourself right now that you will never hold another pack of cigarettes for good. But would that work? In most cases not. It takes so much will power and real determination before one could truly quit from smoking. Every smoker has at least for once, tried to break the habit but too few have stayed true with their initial convictions for quitting.



Stopping yourself from taking your "last stick" is just as hard as forgetting something very special for you in the past. The urges to think about those pleasant- and sometimes painful- memories linger. This is just the same with quitting the addiction.



While some people can do it without the external support of programs and other things that would make quitting a lot easier, many would still require some help. Thus, the medical community and anti-smoking communities have devised ways and products to help smokers kick off the habit.



Because of the cumulative efforts of various individuals, institutions and health facilities, the following products have emerged:



Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products



Nicotine is actually the substance that urges you to stay physically hooked with the addiction. So Nicotine Replacement Therapy provides substitutes for tobacco through various products that contain nicotine. This helps the person focus more on the psychological aspect of quitting.



Nicotine patches or transdermal nicotine systems- This product help people quit smoking by providing controlled doses of nicotine which would be delivered through the skin. The gradual weaning off of this substance will contribute largely to the level of dependency the smoker has over nicotine. There are various strengths and types available which makes the control of nicotine intake feasible.



Nicotine gum or nicotine polacrilex- Nicotine gum is a non-prescription product to help people suppress the cravings of smoking. This works by replacing the need for nicotine in the mucous membrane of the mouth. For optimum results, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instruction on how to use the nicotine gum effectively.



Take note that the maximum nicotine gum that could be used for a day is just twenty pieces and if the 2mg gums do not work well for you, it is best to shift to 4 mg gums. Nicotine gums are also best for people who have very sensitive skins and do not react well to nicotine patches.



Nicotine nasal spray- This is a prescription only stop smoking product. This works by readily delivering the nicotine into the bloodstream through the nose. Because nicotine nasal sprays are easy to use, many people find them very satisfying and very effective. It helps the smoker relive himself from the usual attacks of cravings.



Nicotine inhalers- Inhalers work by helping the smoker execute the act of actual smoking without really having to hold a cigarette. Unlike most inhalers that deliver medication into the lungs, nicotine inhalers carry nicotine vapor directly to the mouth.



Nicotine lozenges- This product is the newest addition to the lines of nicotine replacement therapy products. This is a non-prescription product which is available in two dozes- 2mg and 4mg. Just like with nicotine gums and patches, the users are allowed to determine their own dosages.



Here are some of the advantages individual products have to help stop smoking.



Gums, inhalers and lozenges work by substituting the oral urges of smoking. Sprays, on the other hand, deliver immediate nicotine need mainly into the bloodstream. If you want something that will help substitute the acts of actual smoking, nicotine inhalers will best work for you. If the smoker doesn't want anything that interferes with his system, he may require the benefits of nicotine patches.



Nicotine wafers and nicotine water- These were products that have become popular for people who normally have the urges to smoke in places where smoking is banned.



Nicotine lip balms and nicotine lollipops- Lollipops with nicotine salicylate are banned by the FDA due to the risks and dangers that are posed against the health of people using them. Also, these are quite dangerous when accidentally used by children.



Medications are also helpful in helping someone quit smoking. These include the following:



Bupropion (Zyban)- This is an anti-depressant that helps limit the symptoms of nicotine-withdrawal.



Varenicline (Chantix)- this medication works by reducing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and the pleasurable effects of smoking.
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If you discover that your teenager or child is addicted to cigarettes, it can be a frightening situation to deal with. As an adult, you realize the harmful effects of smoking and how devastating the deaths and sicknesses that can occur will be for your child. We never want to see anything bad happen to our children and smoking is one of the worst habits to pick up. But before you jump all over your child, stop and think through some strategies to help your teen stop smoking.



The worst thing you can do to encourage your teen to stop smoking is to yell, scream, or demoralize your child. This will have the opposite effect of what you want. Teens already have a problem thinking that their parents do not understand them and if you go nuts when you find out the problem, in the mind of your child this will only solidify that you do not understand them or their position.



This is not to say that punishment will not be necessary, particularly if you have clearly stated that smoking is not acceptable behavior in your home, but if you want your child to successfully stop smoking, punish with love and respect.



The first thing you need to do is talk to your child about the reasons to stop smoking. It can be difficult for teens to recognize that all of the terrible effects they have heard about smoking can actually happen to them. You may want to have them talk to a smoker that you know, one who perhaps has some of these health problems, about the long-term effects. Remember, teens live in the now and they have a hard time thinking about the future. Right now, it is cool to smoke and they might not care about the future risks. It is your responsibility as a parent to convince your teen that they need to stop smoking for their own health. That is one easy to do.



Once you have overcome that hurdle, give your teen the support that they need to stop smoking. Assure them that you realize it will not be easy. Many teens think they can stop smoking whenever they want. This is not the case and they are often discouraged when they find that they are truly addicted! Tell your teen that they will probably fail in their first attempts to stop, but that the important thing is to keep at it. Assure them of your support!



You may need to consider outside counseling to help your child stop smoking, especially if you have never had a serious addiction. It can be hard for teens to relate to their parents, particularly about a hard-to-kick habit like smoking. Talk to your school and see if there is a counselor you can use. Or, consider talking to your pastor if you attend church.



The most important thing you can do to help your child stop smoking is to be consistent and loving! Even though you are angry or embarrassed, if you are committed to helping them quit, you must be loving! Give support and be there to pick them up when they fail. This is the best way to help your child stop smoking!
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4/19/2013

To stop smoking is an action that will benefit your life almost instantly!



You will feel much better within yourself; you can save lots of money and if you're trying for a baby, your little bundle of joy will be much healthier than if you smoked! These are just three of many things that will happen if you stop smoking today. So the question is how? How do these things affect me?



Smoking affects your body in many ways but did you know that nicotine raises your blood pressure and that when you smoke your skin gets less oxygen?



Smoking puts you at more risk of developing mouth ulcers, cancer, gum disease and heart disease. It also clogs up your arteries and as a smoker; you are at more risk of dying from heart disease. And according to the NHS, 83 percent of deaths from lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema are related to smoking.



And as well as your health, have you ever thought about the money you could save? Smoking around 20 a day means that cigarettes cost you around ฃ1,500 every year. That's the money you could be saving if you were to stop.



This big save each year could go towards a holiday or your baby (if you're trying for one). Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of stillbirth, cot death and miscarriage. And smoking whilst pregnant means that your unborn baby is inhaling what you inhale too so if you stop, you'll be helping your baby in the long term!



Stopping smoking benefits you, your child and your pocket. Although we know how, another question is when. Did you know that once you've stopped, your body benefits almost instantly! Within 20 minutes, changes begin to happen.



When you stop smoking, within the first 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse rate will return to normal.



It only takes eight hours for oxygen levels to return to normal. Within this timescale, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood reduce by around half.



And after 24 hours, the carbon monoxide will be completely eliminated from your body and the chance of a heart attack decreases.



So when you stop smoking, significant changes are already happening in a day!



After 48 days, the nicotine has completely left your body. And your taste and smell is enhanced.



Within 72 hours, you will notice a change in your breathing. It'll be easier for you breath as your bronchial tubes begin to relax and you'll feel like you have all the energy in the world as your energy levels increase.



On top of this, after 12 weeks of not smoking, your circulation would have improved and lung function is beginning to improve.



Within three to nine months, any issues you had with coughing, wheezing and breathing should be decreasing as lung function increases by up to ten percent. Your energy levels are also continuing to increase.



After five years of you not smoking though, your risk of suffering a heart attack is halved.



And after ten years, your risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. And the risk of heart attack falls to the same as somebody who has never smoked in their life.



To beat your addiction is a feat within itself and the benefits to your health are amazing. Evident from after just one day to ten years, your health is likely to be like somebody's who has never smoked before.
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