Today, a smoker wanting to give up smoking is not alone. There are several stop smoking support services that help the smoker. These include self-help groups and stop smoking clinics. Besides this, there are several professional counselors who are willing to extend a helping hand. All that the smoker needs to do is to reach out to these support services.
The biggest advantage that these support services offer is counseling. They advise the smoker of the kinds of treatment available; and even help the smoker select the treatment that will suit him most. They also offer emotional support and guidance when the smoker is struggling to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
The smoker is provided proper guidance in drawing up a quit smoking plan. This guidance includes details of the kind of withdrawal symptoms the smoker will face, and how the smoker should overcome them.
The smoker is advised about the nicotine replacement therapy, and the different products that are available under this therapy. These include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine tablets and nicotine inhalers. All these products release a small amount of nicotine in the smoker’s bloodstream reducing the smoker’s craving for a cigarette.
The smoker is also told of the advantages of drugs like Zyban that create feelings similar to that of smoking. The smoker is advised of the length of the course, the side effects of Zyban and when to start or stop the cure.
In some cases, the counselors advise smokers to go for acupressure treatment. Such treatment releases positive energy in the body making a smoker feel cheerful and happy even though he may be going through the withdrawal phase.
There are many self-help groups that provide useful literature, and also spend time with the smoker during the withdrawal stage. Support is also extended by family and friends who help the smoker engage in new activities to keep his mind off cigarettes.
