It is universally accepted that tobacco products are dangerous to human health. But most smokers are addicted to tobacco and find it difficult to quit. But nowadays, it is easier to quit smoking, thanks to the progress of science. Find out more in this article.
What is smoking cessation?
Smoking cessation is the process of stopping smoking. It helps to reduce tobacco dependence and its effects on health. On the one hand, smoking cessation can be brutal by stopping consumption immediately. But these cases are sporadic. On the other hand, it can be gradual by decreasing the usual consumption little by little. This can take days, weeks, or even years.
How to successfully quit smoking?
To succeed in quitting smoking, you must first be motivated and convinced of the harmful effects of smoking on your health and your life, those of your loved ones, and the environment.
Then, you must evaluate your degree of dependence to study the risk of failure and the techniques to use. Without effective coaching, the risk of relapse is high. Indeed, smoking cessation can have an impact on your physical and psychological state.
What are the different methods of quitting smoking?
There are four methods of smoking cessation:
The tobacco consultation allows the history of smoking to be drawn up, to take stock of one’s dependence, and to identify the factors that push the person to use tobacco through the Horn test. Then the tobacco specialist will prescribe nicotine substitutes or medication according to the patient’s needs.
The use of different nicotine substitutes gives the sensation of having a sufficient dose of nicotine and helps control the sensation of withdrawal. These replacement medications are nicotine substitutes, chewing gums, transdermal patches, and inhalers. In this treatment, nicotine is absorbed slowly, and the balance between venous and arterial blood is established.
Some studies have shown that the combination of 2 types of substitution drugs optimizes the achievement of the nicotine dosage. But this must be done under the supervision of a tobacco specialist or a doctor. The duration of the treatment is between 6 weeks and 6 months.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an interview that helps tobacco addicts change their behavior, thinking, and emotions. This therapy is composed of learning theories, experimental and educational methods. It can be done individually or in groups and is led by a psychologist or a nurse. However, a minimum of 6 months of follow-up is required.
The soft methods are declined into 5 types:
- Homeopathy uses granules that aim to better manage the various behaviors and side effects related to withdrawal (nervousness, behavioral problems, anxiety…)
- Hypnotherapy acts on the unconscious mind to decondition its deep thoughts about tobacco and help it to abstain from its consumption.
- Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese health care technique that introduces fine needles to specific points of the tissues or organs. These needles activate the energy flow and decrease the desire to consume.
- Luxopuncture is a painless alternative to acupuncture. It uses infrared light instead of needles to stimulate the body’s reflex points, restoring the organ’s functional balance and rejecting any desire to smoke.
- Auriculotherapy is a French method with neurological effects. It consists of placing fine needles on specific ear points and stimulating them to eliminate feelings of craving instantly.
Take part in the month without tobacco
Every year, from November 1st to 30th, it is the month without tobacco. This collective challenge is a real booster. Taking part multiplies your chances of success by 5! Sign up in October on the website and join a team in your region. Together, you will support each other to take up the challenge. You can also pick up free help kits at pharmacies. In 2019, more than 200,000 people signed up.
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