Stop Smoking Cold Turkey
Is it possible to stop smoking cold turkey? It is indeed feasible, but you need unwavering discipline and a firm faith in your abilities. Many ex-smokers will agree that undergoing such an arduous task simply isn’t worth it, especially when you have help available to you.
What makes it so difficult? What many don’t realize is that while it only takes three or four days for the nicotine in your system to purge itself from your body, the cravings still persist for weeks, sometimes even months. This, as you can imagine, is what makes the decision to stop smoking cold turkey such a daunting one for so many.
Unfortunately, there are many who attempt this regardless. They do so for many reasons. Some don’t want to spend money on therapy sessions or anti-smoking aids. Others simply believe that such methods are a waste of time. While there are many who do manage to stop smoking cold turkey, there are also thousands of smokers who end up relapsing again and again.
You don’t have to put yourself through that torture. There are several highly acclaimed anti-smoking methods at your disposal.
For example, instead of attempting to endure the withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings by yourself, using a nicotine patch can do wonders for giving you peace of mind. These patches release gradual amounts of nicotine in your system when you need it. As your cravings slowly fade, you can taper off to lower doses until you don’t need the patch any longer.
Similarly, nicotine laced gum or lozenges help in this manner as well. These are both wonderful alternatives to trying to stop smoking cold turkey. These discreet, effective anti-smoking aids have the added benefit of providing a way to focus many smokers’ oral fixations as well.
Another common method to quit smoking is through meditation and hypnosis. Skeptics may frown at such tactics, but dedicating a few hours each day toward these endeavors can do wonders for lowering your stress levels and strengthening your resolve.
Many smokers even turn toward acupuncture. This ancient art involves using small needles to trigger the release of endorphins and create a blissful rush that isn’t unlike a cigarette buzz. This rush helps soothe withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings.
However, if the idea of needles makes you squeamish, a similar stop smoking method keeps the same idea in mind. Scientists have discovered that using lasers in a similar fashion will also trigger endorphins. Not only is this painless, natural procedure is perfectly safe, but its 80-90% success rate ensures that many patients only have to undergo the treatment once before their cravings stop for good.
With so many anti-smoking methods to choose from, you may wonder why you considered trying to stop smoking cold turkey. Many ex-smokers have found success using one or more of these methods. If you’re unsure as to which is the best for you, consult your doctor today. You’ll be glad you did.