Everyday Tips to Quit Smoking
Easing Nicotine Withdrawal
Disclaimer: The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner.
The Immediate and Long-term Benefits of Giving up Smoking
Giving up cigarettes dramatically reduces your risk of a heart attack, but few people are successful when they try to quit without help.
12 Hours After Quitting:
Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
3 MOS
2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting:
- • Your heart attack risk begins to drop
- • Your lung function begins to improve
MOS
1 to 9 Months After Quitting:
Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 Year After Quitting:
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
YRS
5 to 15 Years After Quitting:
- • Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker's
- • Stroke risk is reduced to that of a person who never smoked
- • Cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus risks are halved
- • Cancer of the larynx risk is reduced
- • Coronary heart disease risk is nearly the same as someone who never smoked
- • COPD risk of death is reduced
- • Ulcer risk drops
- • Bladder cancer risk is halved
- • Peripheral artery disease goes down
- • Cervical cancer risk is reduced
- • Low birth weight baby risk drops to normal
Quitting Tips
Set a quit date
Change your environment
Get rid of ALL cigarettes and ashtrays
Don't allow people smoke in your home
Review your past attempts to quit
Once you quit, don't smoke
Nicotine Replacement Products
If you're trying to quit smoking, consider trying a nicotine replacement product that helps wean you off of the addictive substance in tobacco. There are a variety of nicotine replacement products, all of which deliver small, steady doses of the drug into the body to help relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine Patch
Available without prescription, supplies steady nicotine through the skin. Comes in varying strengths for 8-week treatment with gradually lowered doses. May not be suitable for people with skin problems or adhesive tape allergies.
Nicotine Gum
Available over the counter in 2mg and 4mg strengths. Releases nicotine through mouth lining when chewed. May not be appropriate for people with TMJ, dentures, or dental work like bridges.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
FDA-approved in 1996, prescription only. Pump bottle format for use when craving strikes. Not recommended for people with nasal/sinus conditions, allergies, asthma, or young tobacco users.
Nicotine Inhaler
Prescription-only device approved in 1997. Delivers vaporized nicotine to mouth through mouthpiece and plastic cartridge. Nicotine is absorbed through mouth/throat membranes. Use caution if you have bronchial problems like asthma.
All four forms appear equally effective. Combining patch with gum or nasal spray may increase long-term quit rates. Experts recommend combining nicotine replacement therapy with professional counseling.
🍌 The Benefits of Bananas
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.