Quitting
I’m ready to quit smoking. Now what?
First and foremost, congratulations! Now that you’ve made the important decision to stop smoking, you may want to list the reasons that led you to take this step and keep them handy. This will help keep you on track and moving toward your goal. Next, you’ll want to set a quit date—this day will be the first day that you stop smoking cigarettes and begin using the Habitrol patch.
How should I prepare for my quit day?
Let your friends and family know about your plans so that you can rely on their support during the process. Freshen up your home, your closet, your car, and any other places where you spend a lot of time. The night before your quit day, throw away any remaining cigarettes, lighters, or ashtrays.
How does Habitrol help me quit smoking?
The patch contains nicotine, and releases it into the bloodstream. The patch helps reduce the nicotine withdrawal symptoms many people normally feel when they stop smoking. This patch program takes 8 weeks to complete. It is important to complete treatment. If you feel you need to use the patch for a longer period to keep from smoking, talk to your health care provider.
Lowering your patch dosage over eight weeks will help you overcome physical cravings for nicotine. By helping to reduce your physical nicotine withdrawal symptoms the patch helps you to concentrate on the psychological aspects of quitting and to change your habits that “trigger” your nicotine cravings.
Isn’t it better to quit smoking and nicotine altogether?
While the patch contains nicotine, you are not inhaling the tars, toxins, and chemicals in cigarette smoke. The patch will gradually reduce your nicotine level, which can reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and, along with behavior support program, improves your chances of quitting altogether.
Is it true that quitting smoking can lead to weight gain?
Sometimes weight change is simply a result of a change in your body’s metabolism. This is caused by your body’s withdrawal from nicotine. Your metabolism is simply returning to that of a nonsmoker. Besides, the average weight gain is only about five to ten pounds, and as you will see, there are things you can do to help control it. Another source of extra pounds is the need for oral gratification. As with typical weight gain, increased physical activity and a healthy diet will go a long way to reducing any added pounds.