Quitting Smoking
Drugs for quitting smoking
Understanding withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine is the substance that causes addiction. Once a smoker refrains from smoking, he/she may therefore experience short-term discomfort when the nicotine inside his/her body starts to metabolise out of the body. These symptoms are called "withdrawal symptoms". Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Dizziness, headache
- Tiredness, poor concentration
- Dry mouth and throat, cough
- Hunger, increased appetite, etc.
The level of withdrawal symptoms experienced by quitters vary from person to person. Some people may even experience no symptoms at all. These symptoms usually reach a peak of intensity in the first week after smoking cessation and then gradually decline in 2-3 weeks.
It is important that quitters should uphold their determination as well as perseverance during this period. They should also lead a healthy lifestyle (e.g. adequate sleep, regular exercises and a balanced diet), or medications for quitting smoking when necessary.
Effectiveness of medications
Numerous scientific studies showed that medications for quitting smoking, including NRT, help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and hence increase the success rate effectively. The World Health Organization stated that these medications can double or triple the likelihood of successfully quitting. Smokers are advised to consult doctors or pharmacists before using these medications.
These medications help to manage the cravings while becoming a non-smoker, rather than being a single solution to quitting successfully. Notwithstanding the effectiveness of medications, smokers must keep their determination and perseverance for quitting successfully.
If you really failed to quit, you should never give up trying to quit smoking. Remember, the more quit attempts you make, the more likely you will succeed.
If you need any assistance or information on smoking cessation, please contact us at 1833 183.