Effective Ways to Stop Smoking Even if You Are Addicted

If you want to stop smoking, there are several effective ways to stop smoking that you can try. You can start by making a list of reasons to stop smoking and asking for help from a doctor.

Quitting smoking  is not an easy thing to do. However, efforts to quit smoking can be achieved if you have strong determination and the desire to have a healthier body.

In implementing effective ways to stop smoking, you also need the help of a doctor and support from those closest to you to be able to stop this unhealthy habit.

Various Effective Ways to Quit Smoking

Effective ways to stop smoking are divided into three important steps, namely preparing to stop smoking, quitting, and continuing to stop smoking.

To achieve these three steps, you can do the following things:

1. Make a list of reasons to stop smoking

The first effective way to stop smoking is to write down the reasons why you want to stop smoking and remember those reasons wherever you go. These reasons can be motivation to make it easier for you to stop smoking.

In addition, it is recommended to get rid of all things related to smoking, such as ashtrays and lighters. You can also set a target time for when you will start to stop smoking and when you will completely stop this habit.

Don't forget to tell friends, relatives and family that you are in the stage of quitting smoking so they can provide support and not offer you cigarettes .

2. Avoid smoking triggers

The next effective way to stop smoking is to avoid factors that can trigger you to smoke again, such as hanging out with fellow smokers or consuming coffee and alcoholic drinks.

If you are used to smoking after eating, you can find ways to divert your desire to smoke, for example by chewing gum, eating snacks, or even brushing your teeth.

When the urge to smoke comes, you can try to postpone it and keep yourself busy with other activities, such as walking, exercising, or doing something you like.

3. Try counseling

Counseling can help you to identify the factors that trigger your smoking and focus on ways to stop smoking. In this case, you can ask a psychologist for help as an effective way to stop smoking.

To increase success, this effort can be accompanied by  nicotine replacement therapy , for example by chewing gum, sucking on throat lozenges, or using plasters, inhalers, or nasal sprays that contain nicotine.

4. Always say 'no' to cigarettes

When you decide to quit smoking, try to discipline yourself.

Maybe once in a while you will be tempted to smoke and say, "just one cigarette is fine." However, put those thoughts away! Even if it's just one cigarette, smoking a cigarette can trigger you to keep smoking it again and again.

5. Anticipate nicotine withdrawal symptoms

When you start to stop smoking, your body will lack nicotine. This can trigger nicotine withdrawal symptoms ( nicotine withdrawal ) which are characterized by pain, nausea, headaches, anxiety, and emotional or irritability. People who want to stop smoking will also usually experience symptoms of coughing.

Generally, you will experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms within 12-24 hours after stopping smoking and will gradually subside within 2-4 weeks.

Don't be tempted to go back to smoking even if you experience these annoying symptoms. Once your body gets used to being free from nicotine, these symptoms will disappear by themselves and you can be free from smoking.

6. Do relaxation therapy

Quitting smoking might make you stressed . However, this can be overcome with various relaxation methods , such as getting a massage, listening to classical music, or breathing relaxation. You can also overcome this by doing light exercise, such as yoga or jogging .

7. Try hypnotherapy

Another effective way to stop smoking is to undergo alternative therapy in the form of hypnotherapy . It is not yet known for certain whether this procedure is truly effective in making someone stop smoking. However, some people claim to have felt the benefits.

Quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do. If the various methods above have not helped or you still find it difficult to stop smoking, try consulting a doctor so that the doctor can determine an effective way to stop smoking according to your condition.

Doctors can also prescribe medications, such as bupropion or varenicline , to help you quit smoking, whether e-cigarettes or tobacco cigarettes .