A 38-year-old member asked:
What are the best tips to quit cigarettes without nicotine replacement therapy?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Adam Frontanswered
Clinical Psychology 29 years experience
Education & support: Nicotine replacement (gum or patch) continues the addiction to nicotine. At some point u will have to go through withdrawal. Smoking cessation programs often offer gum & patch but u can quit w just the support & education. There's also nicotine anonymous, based on the 12 steps of aa. Wellbutrin (bupropion) & Chantix r meds that can help w cravings but neither works 4 everyone. Nic cravings r only 3-5 mins.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
2 comments
Dr. Adam Front commented
Clinical Psychology 29 years experience
Provided original answer
Deep breathing, munching on carrot or celery sticks or sunflower seeds, doing something relaxing for those 3-5 mins will get you through a nic fit, and if you keep doing that for 3-5 days the cravings will diminish. The hardest thing is not starting again. This is where group support is most crucial. If you have people whom you can call for support whenever you need it, it helps immensely. If you do relapse, try again right away instead of beating yourself up.
May 15, 2013
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Auricular acupuncture is very effective for smoking cessation. Avoid chantix if you have a mood disorder.
May 15, 2013
Last updated Jun 24, 2014
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