Quit Smoking Through Cold Turkey

Quit Smoking Through Cold Turkey
When it comes to quitting smoking, the last thing that a smoker would probably think of is a turkey. But as "fowl" as it may sound, quitting smoking cold turkey is one of the most popular forms of smoking cessation and also one of the most difficult.


So how do you learn how to quit smoking cold turkey? Basically, all you need to do is stop smoking without any help of medicated quit smoking products, nicotine replacement products such as the patch and other kinds of formal therapy. Smokers who decide to quit for the first time usually do it cold turkey, though only 10% are able to finally get to kick their habit.


What makes quitting smoking without the use of quit smoking products and other aids so difficult is due to the effect of the cigarettes the brain. Nicotine, a major component of tobacco, binds with the receptors in the brain, inducing a kind of euphoria or (high) to the smoker. Once the smoker is deprived of this high caused by nicotine, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, depression and, of course, the urge to light up another cigarette.


Because of the nicotine's psychological effect, nicotine replacement products like the patch ease the withdrawal symptoms of smokers thus increase their chances of completely eradicating their addiction. There are even prescription medicines available that directly block the nicotine from affecting the brain. But by quitting cold turkey, there are no quit smoking products that can serve as a buffer for nicotine withdrawal symptoms.


However, while going cold turkey is far from being the easiest smoking cessation methods, but it also has its advantages. Probably its biggest advantage over other methods of quitting smoking is the fact that it is free. Quit smoking products such as bupropion can be expensive, and while nicotine replacement products are much more affordable, the fact that you will have to use it every day until your nicotine withdrawal symptoms disappear can be costly.


Another advantage of going cold turkey is that you will not experience the side effects and other risks brought by using quit smoking products and medications. Using the patch, for instance, can run the risk of giving you an overdose in nicotine particularly if you still continue to smoke. Smokers who are pregnant or are suffering certain illnesses are also barred from using nicotine replacement products and medications to help them quit smoking because of their condition.


If you do decide to try and quit smoking cold turkey, it is recommended that you set up a plan around it. In fact, one of the main reasons why attempts to quit smoking cold turkey fail is because of the inadequate planning of the smoker. Quitting smoking should be a methodical process, not just a "spur of the moment", in order for it to become successful.


Here are some tips on how to quit smoking cold turkey:


1.Get rid of any items that may remind you of smoking such as lighters and ashtrays.

2.Tell your friends, family and colleagues at work of your intention to quit and ask for their encouragement.

3Identify the triggers and habits that lead you to smoke and make changes. Do you smoke when you are hungry? Do you often light up whenever you are with a certain group of people? Try to find a way to go around these triggers and habits until your withdrawal symptoms subside.

4.Keep your mouth busy. Sugarless gum, cinnamon sticks, carrot sticks or even flavored toothpicks can keep your mouth occupied and help you fight the urge to grab a cigarette.

5Drink lots of water. Drinking water not only helps keep down the urge to smoke, it also helps flush the toxins out of your body and keep you alert. Keeping a water bottle around you is a great way to keep yourself hydrated during the day.

6.Stay away from coffee, alcohol or other drinks that are associated with smoking. Breaking the connection is essential when quitting cigarette smoking especially if you do it cold turkey.

7.Stay active. Jogging and light exercise can help distract you from smoking as well as prevent against weight gain associated with smoking.

8.Inspire yourself by reading testimonials from ex-smokers or joining a support group.

Chaim stopped smoking in 2001 and has been cigarette-free ever since. He is an outspoken anti-smoking activist, writing against the ill effects of smoking on blogs and forums, and is one of the regular contributors at Quit Smoking Products.

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