Using NRT's

I'd like to share my experience with the nicotine patch. I researched the various NRT’s months before my quit date, and I decided that for various reasons, the patch was the right tool for me.

The American Lung Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society along with many other health organizations endorse the use of NRT’s. When the patch is used as directed, the nicotine is absorbed slowly by the system, and the 21mg patch is the equivalent of about 1 pack of cigarettes per day. Those who smoke 10 or fewer cigarettes per day are directed to start with the 14mg patch.

Nicotine patches can double the chances of long-term quit smoking success (1). Each person commiting to quit smoking should seek medical advice and, if interested, discuss the various options for nicotine replacement therapy. You will want to learn more about the possible side effects of NRT's. There are also contraindications for the patch as well as other NRT’s, and every person should make an informed decision about which (if any) NRT to use.

NRT’s are effective when used as directed and when the person is committed to quitting. If an individual does not really want to quit smoking and is not devoted to that goal, the patch will not be effective. The patch, when used as directed, offers a gradual decrease in nicotine while the person works on the psychological aspects of quitting. Those who understand the role that the patch plays in the quitting process can benefit from the step-down approach it offers.

I smoked 2 packs a day for 15 years. I quit smoking using the nicotine patch as directed on January 13, 2002. It was my first attempt at quitting, so I cannot compare the method I used to other methods. I do not know how much of a role the patch played in my success so far, but these things I do know: The patch did not put more nicotine into my body than smoking did. I did not become addicted to the patch. I was not in denial. I did not have a Hell Week because of horrible withdrawal symptoms. The physical adjustment when stepping down from one level to the next was minimal and short-lived. I used the patch, and I have not had a cigarette in over 4 years.Those are my facts. Would I have been as successful without the patch? I don’t know...maybe, but I would have been much more uncomfortable during the first week, and that's a crucial time in the quit process. I know that once I made up my mind to quit, I wanted to make sure that I gave myself the very best chance of succeeding, and for me, that meant using the patch.

NRT's are not for everyone, and I think those who decide to use the patch or any other NRT as a replacement for smoking rather than as a tool for cessation will be disappointed. Manufacturers of NRT's have all stated that they are not recommended for long-term use.

When NRT's are used as directed, they can help people quit smoking.

When cigarettes are used as directed, they kill people.

I applaud everyone who has been successful in quitting smoking, however the goal is achieved. However someone quits successfully is the right way to quit.

Just quit...please.

(1) Center for Tobacco Cessation

More from Michelle:
Michelle's Quit Story
Michelle's 1 Year Milestone
Michelle's 2 Year Milestone
Michelle's 3 Year Milestone
Michelle's 4 Year Milestone
Michelle's 5 Year Milestone
Patience With the Process
There is No Substitute for Time
Depression When You Quit Smoking
Smoking and Degenerative Disc Disease

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What is the Right Mindset?

Question: How Do I Achieve the "Right" Mindset to Quit Smoking Successfully?Everyone talks about having the right mind set to quit smoking successfully. What is the right mind set? Is it a dislike for cigarettes, as in never wanting to have one again, or is it just willpower - the determination not to light up? I've quit several times and always have the right mind set when I start, but I can't seem to maintain it. Answer: For some people, there is that magical click where everything falls into place before quitting or just after, but for most of us, the reshaping of attitude into the “right” mindset comes gradually, one day at a time. I clearly remember smoking my last cigarette. I fervently hoped it would be my last, but I was far from confident. I desperately wanted to quit, but I was an addict with 26 years of training. That training had taught me that I was weak and lacked the will and determination to quit smoking for the long term. So, as much as I wanted to boot the butts out of my life, I was shaky and unsure of myself when I started out. I think most of us are. I found the support forum at About.com Smoking Cessation 9 days into my quit program. It was there that I learned that the release from nicotine addiction is a process, not an event. It was a revelation for me to understand that this addiction lets go bit by bit, and that healing involves mending the psychological side of the habit – all of the associations we built up over the years. I made up my mind to settle in and apply myself to the task of breaking the links in the chains that bound me, one at a time, however long that might take. I fed my quit program with daily doses of education and support, making a point to end every day on a note of gratitude. That part was easy - all I had to do was think about the fact that I hadn't smoked that day, and I was enormously thankful. Incorporating these things into life until they became a natural part of my routine were stepping stones to the right mindset and one that would permanently take me away from smoking. Education is a powerful tool that can help us change how we think about smoking. Build the foundation for your smoke free life by reading everything you can find about nicotine addiction and the recovery process. When you know what to expect and have a plan in place to manage the bumps in the road, it’s empowering. Education takes you out of the role of being a helpless victim of addiction and puts you in the driver’s seat with your quit program. Facing nicotine addiction head on has another significant benefit. By looking closely at the scope of the damage and death smoking causes, we begin to think differently about our old buddy, the cigarette, and we start to change our relationship with smoking. How can something that kills so many so ruthlessly be a friend? Education will help you take the blinders off, and that is a very good thing. Our power to affect change always lies in the present. What we do today has great influence over our tomorrows – an important thing to remember in this process. Keep your eye on the prize and keep yourself firmly planted in the day you have in front of you. It's important to remember...recovery from nicotine addiction is a process, not an event. That process involves education, support and the patience to let a new way of being take shape for you. Use these tools to create the winning attitude that will bring you the permanent freedom you're looking for. Yes, quitting tobacco is hard work at times, especially early on, but dig your feet in and take it on. Remind yourself daily about why you want to quit smoking, and picture yourself as a contented nonsmoker, free of the need to light up every hour on the hour. It’s not far fetched – it’s doable, and you have the ability to make it happen, right now. Believe it and believe in yourself. The rewards far outweigh the work it takes to achieve your freedom, I promise you! Quit Smoking Stories of SuccessHealing the Mind When We Quit Smokingif(zSbL

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Weight Gain Health Risks

Question: What are the Health Risks of Weight Gain When I Quit Smoking?If I quit smoking and gain weight, won't that be just as dangerous to my health as smoking is?Answer: If you're worried about gaining weight when you quit smoking, consider this: as long as your weight is within the normal range for your height and age, it would take 80 to 100 pounds of weight gain before you'd even begin to approach the health risks you have from smoking. Don't worry about the 5 to 10 pounds that many people gain when they quit smoking. As long as your eating habits haven't changed, weight gained when you quit will come back off as your body adjusts.

Risks if you continue to smoke include: Death
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It kills more than 440,000 people in the U.S. every year. Global smoking statistics tell us that a person dies every 8 seconds due tobacco-related diseases. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, 40 of which are known carcinogens. Many of the effects of cigarette smoke on humans are still being researched. Cancer
Your chances of contracting lung cancer are greatly increased when you smoke. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Smoking is also linked to other cancers: cancer of the esophagus, larynx, kidney, pancreas, colon, breast, and cervix. Other Smoking-Related Health Risks
Smoking increases the risk of stroke, COPD and emphysema, heart disease, periodontal disease, and circulatory problems, to name a few. Pregnant women who smoke have an increased incidence of premature birth and low birth weight babies.When you quit smoking, you are taking the single most important step possible to improve your health. Don't overburden yourself by trying to do too much at once. Instead of stressing about gaining weight when you quit smoking, focus on kicking the habit first. Losing weight will come more easily once you are comfortable in your new lifestyle.

Most people find that they become far more proactive about their overall health once they are tobacco-free. When you prove to yourself that you can quit smoking, it will give you the confidence to tackle whatever challenge you set for yourself successfully!

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Why Quit Smoking

Most people who smoke wish they didn't. They live with a hatred for the habit they can't seem to do without. The fear of serious illness is usually there too, lurking in the background, and always that awful feeling of being powerless to quit.

Nicotine addiction does that to a person.

As smokers, we live in denial about what cigarettes are doing to us. We have to, otherwise there would be no comfort in smoking, no relief...no pleasure.

Yes, we know that smoking causes cancer and emphysema - we know smoking kills and that we're playing roulette with our health. However, we also know that most smoking-related diseases take years to develop, so we tell ourselves we have time, that nothing will happen to us. Besides, the bad stuff always happens to other people anyway, right?

Right?

Wrong. With upwards of 5 million people dying on this planet every year from tobacco use, chances are more than good that we'll end up a tragic addition to those statistics if we continue smoking.

Every additional year we invest in smoking compromises our chances for survival all the more. Eventually, there comes a time for most smokers when the "smokescreen" starts to wear thin. And when it does, smoking loses its luster; its ability to soothe. Instead, smoking becomes a fearful, anxiety-ridden activity that has little to do with pleasure or relaxation, and we find ourselves thinking about quitting with every cigarette we light. The fact that you're here reading this article is a good sign. You're probably sick of smoking, and unhappy enough to be seeking out some help. Good for you, because when it comes to overcoming the addiction to nicotine, education is key. The more you understand about how smoking affects you and what to expect as you wean yourself away from it, the better prepared you'll be for success. What are the reasons behind your desire to quit smoking? Sit down with paper and pen, and list them out. Include every single thing you can think of, from the largest, most obvious of reasons, to the smallest. My own 26 year addiction turned me into a person I didn't much like. I was fearful that a smoking-related disease would catch up with me before I found a way to quit smoking. I was worried sick, so to speak.I hated the smell, the embarrassment, and the need. I especially resented the need. Nicotine dependency made me feel weak and helpless.These were some of the first items I put on my own list of reasons, and it didn't take long to add a long line of other things I hated about smoking as well.

Think about the pros and cons of smoking as you compose your list, and when you're done, make a copy to carry with you. Add to it when more reasons come to mind, and read it when your resolve is at a low ebb. It will quickly help you get your priorites back in order and keep you on track with your quit program. Think of your list of reasons as a cornerstone in the foundation you're building for smoking cessation.

Much of the process of release from nicotine addiction comes down to plain old practice. We taught ourselves to smoke one day at a time until it was interwoven into just about every activity in our lives. It only makes sense then, that we should allow ourselves the time it takes to retrain old habits into newer, healthier ones that don't involve smoking. Arm yourself with knowledge and support, and be patient. You'll grow stronger by the day.

Success always starts in our minds. Once we get our thoughts moving in the right direction, taking positive action comes more easily.

It's like a snowball rolling downhill. Channel your thoughts onto that sheet of paper, and you'll begin to gain momentum. Once you start the snowball rolling, you'll be amazed at what you can do to change your life for the better.

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Water

Water is critical for the human body to function properly. It makes up two-thirds of our body weight, and every cell and organ depends on it. Without water, a person would die within just a few days.

When we quit smoking, water eases several of the discomforts associated with nicotine withdrawal: Constipation Coughing Hunger/urge to eat Cravings to smokeWater also helps flush residual nicotine out of the body, and by keeping yourself well-hydrated, you'll feel better overall. That can only help as you make your way through the discomforts of nicotine withdrawal. Sources:

Water in Diet. 02 September 2005. Medline Plus.

Nurses Can Help Smokers Quit. January 1993. National Institutes of Health.

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Why Quit Smoking Young

Photo © Kerri R. When I was a smoker, I had every excuse in the book to continue to be one, but my favorite one to pull out of my hat was my youth. I would say, "My uncle Arthur smoked from the time he was 16 to the day he died at age 80. My aunt Del has been smoking since she was a teenager. Nothing is going to happen to me now, only during the BAD part of my life, the end part!"

So I continued to smoke. I LOVED to smoke. It was a huge part of my social life, my alone time, my escape. But being an active young person with a family, my limitations were becoming more and more painfully apparent. I couldn't chaperone field trips. I couldn't go to more than one store and bring my kids. I couldn't go to the movies. I couldn't race my kids down the street or even toss a Frisbee for any length of time. Not only that, my circle of friends didn't really smoke anymore, so I found myself either sneaking or just turning down evenings out for fear of being the "odd man out".

Then one day, my son heard me coming home from Happy Hour with my co-workers. I was greeted with,

"I knew you were home mom. I recognized your cough."

At 31, I had recognizable cough. A nagging and obvious cough is not a natural occurrence for a 31-year-old woman.

I did finally make the leap into freedom on January 8th, 2004. I started reading more and more into other people's stories, finding myself fixating on others who were my age. I found a library of them at whyquit.com. There is Noni, who died at 33, when her son was only months old. Her husband celebrated their child's first birthday without her. She was a victim of small cell lung cancer.

In her 30's????

Impossible.
It must have been a fluke, bad genes, just one of those things.
Unfortunately not.

Then there was the story about a 34 year old father who died of lung cancer, leaving his little boy without a father. A tough guy; a construction worker, who had smoked since he was 14, reduced to a mere shell of a man.

Yet another story is about a woman by the name of Barb Tarbox. Barb tells a tragic tale of smoking to fit in as a teenager, never thinking anything bad would happen, especially while she was young. Barb got lung cancer at 41 and was suddenly faced with having to cause enormous pain to her daughter, leaving her without a mother - watching her suffer while she died.

What drove me to write this was a chance meeting I had the other day with a 31 year old woman who shares the same name as me. Talk about spooky fate. Kery was just diagnosed with the early stages of emphysema. She HAS to quit if she is to have a chance at life. She is MY AGE! She has 3 children. Emphysema could suffocate her to death right in front of them. It's not cancer, it's another lung disease this time.

I have been one of the lucky ones. I don't know if I would have been one of the tragic stories above or if I would be blessed with a long life like my Uncle Arthur. What if I wasn't? Would I want to be the one to sit my young children down and explain to them that they were going to have to find their own way in the world because I was dying due to a poison I couldn't resist?

I quit smoking 18 months ago. I find the sheer freedom of it exhilarating. And because I quit young, I have the rest of my life to do WHATEVER I want, breathing with ease the whole time, without slavery, living my long life the way I CHOOSE, not chained to an addiction. I can run, I can swim, I can be as active or as inactive as I want. I gave myself ME back and I have my whole life to enjoy that feeling.

I still have to worry if I quit in time, but not nearly as much as I would worry if I waited another 10, 20, or 30 years to quit. The thing about this addiction is that it doesn't just lose its grip eventually. Quitting is a choice you HAVE to make. It will cling on even while you are dying of cancer. Bryan, as mentioned above, smoked up to 1 week before he died. He gave himself only one week of freedom.

We have the choice to make for ourselves. This is not a dress rehearsal, this is the only YOU you will ever get. Do you want to purposefully risk cutting it short or live a long life full of excitement, freedom and loved ones?

It CAN happen to you. You always think it's on the other side of the fence, but not this time. Cigarettes do not kill a specific group of people. No one is immune to the hazards of tobacco...not celebrities, the young or the old. Even non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke are at risk.

Love this life you've been given. Love yourself. Appreciate the fact that others love you and don't play Russian roulette with yourself.

~Kerri~

More from Kerri:
Kerri's Quit Story
5 Months and a Sock
Kerri's 6 Month Milestone
Kerri Reaches One Year Smoke Free
Kerri's 2 Year Smoke Free Milestone

Last Updated: 2-5-2006

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Zyban as a Quit Smoking Aid

Zyban® and Wellbutrin® are both brand names for the generic drug, bupropion hydrochloride. While bupropion is not for everyone, it does have the advantage of lessening the discomforts associated with nicotine withdrawal. This can make cessation much more manageable for those people who haven't been able to successfully quit smoking using other methods.

Originally marketed as an anti-depressant drug, bupropion is available by prescription only. Its effectiveness as a quit smoking aid was discovered when smokers using it to treat depression also lost interest in smoking. People not planning to quit smoking found themselves stopping with relative ease. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually associated with quitting smoking were minimal.

In 1997, the FDA approved Zyban to be used as a quit smoking aid, and since then, bupropion has become a popular method to help smokers kick the habit. Bupropion, when used in combination with other nicotine replacement therapies (NRT's), such as the nicotine patch or nicotine gum, increase the chances for long term success with smoking cessation. dry mouth dizziness insomnia change in appetite agitation headachesMore serious side effects, such as seizures, while rare, can occur.

Bupropion is not for everyone. Listed below are conditions under which taking this drug would not be recommended. You are taking Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin SR (both are bupropion HCl) You are taking any other medicine containing bupropion HCl You have or have had a seizure disorder You have or have had an eating disorder You are abruptly discontinuing use of alcohol or sedatives(including benzodiazepines) You are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAOI) You are allergic to bupropion HCl You are pregnant or nursing.Note: It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about using bupropion as a quit smoking aid. He/she will know your medical history and be able to help you make an informed decision about what is right for you.

Brand names for bupropion are: Zyban®
Wellbutrin®
Wellbutrin® SR
Wellbutrin® XLSee Also: Zyban Patient Information

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