Quit Smoking Help (2)

According to statistics, more than 400,000 Americans die each year from tobacco related illnesses. In fact, this number surpasses the total number of deaths caused by AIDS, car crashes, murders, suicides, alcohol, illegal drugs, and fires combined. No doubt, these statistics are alarming. Therefore, nation-wide raising of public awareness in hazards of smoking is essential.

As it has been proven, getting into a habit is much easier than getting out of it. Quit smoking help requires strength of mind, determination, and in the worst occasions medical help. Therefore, many organizations, government and non-government have launched programs to help those who are wiling to quit the habit of smoking and turn over a new leaf.

Quit smoking help is best administered by professionals. However, it is also important that the addict's family and friends support him/her in every possible way to overcome smoking. This gives the victim, the much needed assurance that he/she does not have to go through the ordeal of treatment alone. Quit smoking help comes in two forms; psychological therapy and physical therapy. Psychological therapy includes counseling services and, self-help material. In 2009, all 50 states in the US maintain a telephone based counseling program, in which addicts who are willing to quit are allowed to call for free, to trained counselors who are willing to guide them through the redemption process. Quit smoking programs and support groups are also an excellent resource to receive quit smoking help. For example Nicotine Anonymous is one such open support group, which allows those who are trying to quit smoking receive both professional help as well as peer experience and guidance. Additionally, certain hospitals, workplaces, and community centers conduct quit smoking help programs regularly. Contact information of these programs may be obtained from the local information services or American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org). The structure of these quit smoking programs are unique to the organization responsible for the programs. Generally, these programs include sessions of 30 minutes to one hour, distributed over several months consisting of meetings, discussions, one-to-one or group counseling. The physical treatment aspect of quit smoking help comes from Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The nicotine intake via cigarettes, replaced with other forms like gum, lozenges, spray, patches and inhalers. With NRT the addict only receives nicotine and not the other harmful chemicals present in tobacco. This allows the addict to focus on psychological therapy without getting distracted by nicotine cravings. However, NRT must be applied under the careful supervision of a doctor.

In order for quit smoking help to be effective, the addict has to be persistent in receiving help. Regular attendance to sessions, being honest to oneself, and strictly following professional advice ensures a success ratio of 75% - 90% along with lifelong good health.