What's the Latest on Smoking Cessation?

It may seem like we conquered smoking and it's not a problem anymore but 14 of every 100 adults in the United States are smokers. Of those, nearly 7 in every 10 smokers dream of quitting for good because smoking is a surefire way to deeply challenge a person's health. As difficult of a feat as it is, quitting is possible, maybe more than ever before. Even if it takes a few tries, every attempt is a way of learning what works. Let's look at the latest ideas in smoking cessation.

Call a Quitline

Sometimes, talking about these struggles with someone who understands what's going on is just what's needed to stay motivated and strong. 1-800-QUIT-NOW is free to call and is staffed with experienced smoking cessation coaches who have tons of resources and advice to share. They can offer advice on how to quit based on smoking and quitting history and personal preferences. They can also help with handling withdrawal symptoms and may even be able to offer assistance in getting medications to further help.

Download the quitSTART App

The quitSTART app is a free resource offered by smokefree.gov. It helps smokers to prepare in the days leading up to going smoke-free. It also tracks progress and helps to manage any slip-ups. Earn badges for reaching milestones, find distractions and coping strategies for mood shifts and cravings and connect on social media to share the journey with others.

Devise a Personalized Plan

Plans really help to keep us on track no matter what goal we're pursuing. In this case, it may help to write down the date and to plan strategies for each of the likely triggers. If we go into the challenge prepared, we are more likely to succeed in facing it head-on and coming out a winner. Before taking the big leap, determine personal needs by asking these questions:

• When is the quit date? Pick a date and mark a prominent calendar.
• What's the best way to ditch those ashtrays, lighters and other reminders of the habit?
• What are your biggest smoking triggers? How can you avoid them or mitigate them?
• What are some great distractions for when the cravings hit?
• Who will be the best support? Who is a backup?
• What are some great rewards for hitting certain milestones?

Going in with a game plan can increase the chances of success, so do what everything possible to cover these bases thoroughly and in writing. It may help to keep these reminders and strategies on index cards in a wallet or in a readily accessible place.

Try Medical Interventions

There are several prescription and nonprescription options that can help make quitting a little easier. Nicotine replacement therapy is available over-the-counter in the form of gum, lozenges and transdermal patches. It's also available via prescription as an inhaler or nasal spray. Nicotine replacement therapy allows new non-smokers to tackle the habit while slowly reducing physical addiction. There are also non-nicotine prescription medications like Zyban and Chantix, which may help to reduce urges also.

Take it from a former smoker who tried quitting for years before it finally stuck: Quitting is possible, but everyone has to find the right strategy for themselves. No matter what, planning seems to help most people. Nicotine is a powerful addiction, but with the right game-plan, it's possible to break free.

Copyright 2019, Wellness.com