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What Is The Best Way To Quit Smoking?

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Posted on Mon, 30 Jul 2012
Question: let me know the best way to quit smoking
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Answered by Dr. J. Clive Spiegel (49 minutes later)
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

This is a huge question to answer. There are many methods for quitting smoking. The first is the Nicotine replacement method. You can take nicotine in the form of a gum, a patch, an inhaler or a melting oral lozenge and this can replace the nicotine intake and craving for cigarettes.

Next is pharmacological method: you can take bupropion or varenicline, which stimulate nicotine receptors in the brain and thereby cut cravings and desires for cigarettes.

There are behavioral methods like going to talk therapy, acupuncture, laser treatments, and electrical stimulation techniques. These are not well studied and not proven to work consistently.

If all these methods fail, you could certainly try the old "cold turkey" method, which means you just stop abruptly, and tough out the cravings until they go away. Whichever method you choose, I wish you much luck & success with it! Good health to you.

Please do write back in case you have follow up queries to ask.

Regards,
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. J. Clive Spiegel

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 67 Questions

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What Is The Best Way To Quit Smoking?

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

This is a huge question to answer. There are many methods for quitting smoking. The first is the Nicotine replacement method. You can take nicotine in the form of a gum, a patch, an inhaler or a melting oral lozenge and this can replace the nicotine intake and craving for cigarettes.

Next is pharmacological method: you can take bupropion or varenicline, which stimulate nicotine receptors in the brain and thereby cut cravings and desires for cigarettes.

There are behavioral methods like going to talk therapy, acupuncture, laser treatments, and electrical stimulation techniques. These are not well studied and not proven to work consistently.

If all these methods fail, you could certainly try the old "cold turkey" method, which means you just stop abruptly, and tough out the cravings until they go away. Whichever method you choose, I wish you much luck & success with it! Good health to you.

Please do write back in case you have follow up queries to ask.

Regards,