We all know that smoking is bad for health which is why many smokers try to quit. However, it is easier said than done for regular smokers to give up smoking. This is mainly because of the momentary pleasure that we derive from nicotine in cigarettes. This chemical triggers the pleasure centers in the brain and stimulates the body. Nicotine is responsible for addiction whereas other 3999 additives and substances in the cigarettes such as ammonia, naphthalene, acetone, butane, formaldehyde and tar cause serious health problems.

About smoking

1 in every 10 people across the globe die because of a smoking related disease. Cancers, emphysema, respiratory disorders, amputation of arms or legs, cataracts, ulcers are just some of the long-term problems a smoker is likely to face. Smoking not only affects your life but those too who are with you or dependant on you, especially children and pregnant women. You should stop smoking for them, if not for you.

Why should I stop smoking?

By quitting smoking you will see a vast improvement in your in fitness, a positive mental state, a better sex life and improved career prospects. These benefits can be seen in just weeks once you stop smoking. You can even stop smoking for the sake of your loved ones or children, as by smoking you are jeopardizing not only your health and life but their lives too.

Why smoking cessation treatments?

Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, is responsible for smoking addiction. Some smokers are not addicted to nicotine only; they are hooked on to the act of smoking because of the habit. Need for treatment arises when a smoker is physically as well as psychologically addicted to smoking. Immediate treatment is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked during a day. The more the number of cigarettes smoked; the more the number of years of addiction; the more important and necessary it becomes to get smoking cessation treatment.

Smoking cessation treatments

There are various types of smoking cessation treatments on the market. From nicotine replacement therapies and stop smoking programs to prescription medications and alternative therapies. Out of all these treatments, only prescription medications, Chantix and Zyban are clinically tested and proven.

Pros and cons of the most popular treatments of smoking cessation

Here’s a list of the 3 most popular forms of smoking cessation treatments and their pros and cons:

• Nicotine replacement therapies - Provide nicotine minus other dangerous substances in cigarettes thereby taking care of nicotine withdrawals - A slight risk of re-addiction is involved when using these products as they contain nicotine and a person is not completely weaned off nicotine
• Zyban - Primarily an anti-depressant drug, Zyban works for smoking cessation by taking targeting withdrawals - Carries a risk of side effects such as skin rashes, jitters and seizures
• Chantix - The latest aid for smoking cessation, which helps by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawals - Linked to a very small number of psychiatric problems and suicidal behavior