YOUR EXTRA HELP FOR STOP SMOKING

Smoking is a strong addiction. If you need some extra help, you're not alone. Here are some of the options if you need a hand:

- Call a Quitline. Many states have free services to help people who are wondering how to stop smoking. You'll be able to talk to an expert who knows where you're coming from.

- Try a nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or nicotine lozenges. These are all available at the drugstore. They help you reduce your nicotine use slowly, so you won't be as grouchy or anxious while you're trying to quit. You choose a patch based on how much you smoked, then gradually switch to lower-dose patches over several weeks until you're done. Or, you have one piece of gum or one lozenge at set intervals throughout the day. Gradually, over several weeks, you stretch out the time between doses. Nicotine products seem expensive until you compare their cost to that of your cigarettes. For the same amount of money, you can buy these "helpers" for a few weeks—and once you've quit, you'll have a good idea how much you're saving.

- Talk to your doctor about bupropion (brand name Zyban or Wellbutrin). Bupropion is an antidepressant that has the useful side effect of decreasing cravings. It's helpful for quitting smoking even if you're not depressed.

- Ask about other drugs. A newer drug called varenicline (brand name Chantix) helps prevent the pleasurable effect of smoking. Other medicines are being studied.

For More Information on How to Stop Smoking

- Check out the Tobacco page at the American Cancer Society.
- Make a Quit Smoking Action Plan with advice from the American Lung association.
- Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit SmokeFree.gov to find your local QuitLine, plus lots of information and advice on how to stop smoking.

Source From http://addiction.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Alcoholism_Resources