There are several stop smoking aids, the most common being pharmaceutical aids, acupuncture, nicotine patches, hypnosis, herbal cigarettes, self-help groups, and clinics. But truth be known, if a person does not have any will or determination to quit smoking, all these aids are completely worthless and will not do a thing. On the other hand, if a person does have a sincere desire to quit, each aid has the potential to be of help. Additionally, self-help clinics encourage smokers to use their will power to give up smoking. They teach smokers several mind exercises to reduce cravings for cigarettes. Success rates may not be very high but several chain smokers have benefited from these clinics, whose aim is to make individuals stronger, both mentally and emotionally.
The popular pharmaceutical aids are nicotine replacement therapy, with some being combined with the drug, Zyban. The principle behind nicotine replacement therapy is to slowly reduce the dependence on nicotine-rich cigarettes by giving the body small doses of nicotine. This reduces emotional distress and cuts down on withdrawal symptoms. This type of therapy is given in the form of gums, patches, tablets, nasal sprays, and inhalers that contain lower amounts of nicotine than cigarettes. The drug, Zyban, breaks the smoking habit by dulling the nicotine sensors that are present in the brain.
Verenicline too stops the nicotine sensors from being stimulated, thereby nullifying the pleasurable effects obtained through smoking a cigarette. Studies show that there is a significantly higher rate of smokers quitting if wearing the nicotine patch in combination with the drug, Zyban. Studies also show that smokers treated with Zyban had higher rates than those wearing the patch alone. However, smokers who are suffering from hypertension or epilepsy should not take this drug. All smokers should take it under medical supervision only.
There are alternative methods being used with success. Acupuncture and acupressure are other methods that are used to stop smoking. Both of these Oriental methods stimulate the release of endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers that create a sense of well-being and lower the dependence on cigarettes. The advantage of these aids is that they do not cause any side effects. Another option is to smoke cigarettes that contain herbal ingredients. This may reduce dependence on smoking but can also cause side effects because they contain high levels of tar and carbon monoxide.
A stop smoking aid that is becoming quite popular is the LLLT, or low-level laser therapy. This is a "cold" pure laser light that has been used in England, Canada, and Europe for over 20 years, that is painless and safe. Many people like it because it is medication-free with no side effects. It was previously used for other conditions, such as musculoskeletal injuries, before being used as a stop smoking aid. It is also being used for addictions and weight control. The areas of the body that are stimulated to stop smoking are the ears, face, and hands; weight loss triggers are the same, but also stimulated are the legs, feet, and torso.
