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Thinking about stopping? You have an important decision to make. If you choose to stop smoking today you will feel the benefits within the first 20 minutes and that keep on working for a life time! Benefits of stopping smoking-20minutes to 10 years
If you choose not to, then you have to consider the risks and problems ahead. Your health will not remain the same. Many smokers have tried to stop at least once but failed. However, those who try and try again develop an important understanding and insight into their addiction. They will succeed in breaking free from tobacco upon their next attempt! Remember, smoking is a chemical addiction and not just a bad habit. It needs time and effort to be weaned off by the use of other chemicals and the behaviourial addiction needs to be unlearnt through willpower, understanding and hard discipline. Ex-Smoker: "It was easier to get into (smoking), but hell to get out of! But look at me now. The rewards were worth the effort!" What will happen if I do not stop smoking? The science behind patches, gums, Champix and Zyban Cutting chemical with chemical According to the Smoking Cessation Guidelines only 3% of smokers will succeed in quitting using their will-power alone. Nicotine addiction is a very powerful master. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has said that the most effective method to quit is to use a chemical support ( pharmacotherapy) and professional behavioral support (counselling). You can double your chances of stopping by using the Nicotine Replacement Therapies, Bupropion (Zyban) and the new drug called Varenicline (Champix). When used under expert advice, these therapies have helped smokers stop smoking very successfully as they find it easier to overcome their nicotine withdrawal symptoms. We have prepared a general summary on the treatments from the two guidelines. Click to see full reports. The Smoking Cessation Guidelines: An Update (Thorax 2000), The summary below is not intended to replace the advice that you get from your doctor or chemist. When ever using any product, please ask your doctor and pharmacist to help you in assessing its suitability and effects relating to your personal medical history. Champix and Zyban are prescription only drugs that your doctor has to prescribe . What is Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)? NRT is a way of giving you nicotine without you having to smoke and risk the harmful tar, carbon monoxide and other harmful substances found in cigarettes. The nicotine given to you helps you to manage the cravings. It is not a magic cure, but it will reduce the withdrawal symptoms and cravings while you work hard at quitting through your determination. You can use NRT for up to three months and your GP or Adviser can guide you if you wish to use it for longer than that. There are several different methods of giving you nicotine via NRT. You can buy several NRT products at your chemist and pharmacist: Gums, patches, nasal sprays, inhalers, tablets and lozenges are some typical NRT products. Ask your GP and cessation counsellor to advise you. The best product to suit you will depend on how much you smoke and what your health is like. What is the new drug Champix (Varenicline tartrate) Launched in 2006, it is taken orally and is non-nicotine based. It comes in small tablet form ( 1mg varenicline tartrate) and you need two per day. It works by mimicking the nicotine molecule and it binds to and blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain. This reduces and mellows the cravings and allows the person to cope with the withdrawals through will-power alone. There is good evidence that it can double your chances of quitting smoking. Your doctor will advise you on its use. You start using it while you are still smoking and are asked to set a quit date within a reasonable 7-10 days time of having started the course. What is Zyban? Zyban is another non-nicotine based drug launched in 2000. Zyban comes as a 150 mg tablet of Bupropion hydrochloride that is taken orally. It works on the brain chemistry by reducing your craving for tobacco by tackling the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. There is good evidence that it can double your chances of quitting smoking. Your GP will advise you on the course and dose. Smokers start taking Zyban while they are still smoking. They set a ' quit date' in the second week of treatment e.g. day 8. This allows Zyban to start working effectively. On day 8 they stop smoking. Dose and course advice must be followed in close cooperation with your GP or health professional. Zyban is only available on NHS prescription.
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