Stop smoking prepare well

Finally non-smoker: intent for the new year well plan

02/01/2014

Become Non-Smokers at Last - For many people, this project is high on the list of good intentions for the New Year. A very good idea, because smoking carries many dangers and risks and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), remains among the avoidable causes of death. To get rid of the cigarette in the long term, the smoking cessation should be well planned.

Nicotine activated „reward center“ in the brain
For many people, quitting smoking is one of the most important concerns for the New Year. But just when the smoking cessation is started spontaneously and without preparation, the good intentions in many cases does not last long. „Almost every smoker has tried to stop it. But that's hard for many, because nicotine makes you addicted“, explains the Vice President of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists Thomas Benkert. If you smoke, activate the so-called nicotine contained in cigarettes „reward center“ in the brain (medical: mesolimbic system), whereby the smoker feels awake and at the same time relaxed for a short time. According to Thomas Benkert, however, it becomes problematic if the body is not „supplies“ get more nicotine, because then withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and restlessness occur. Exactly here, according to the experts, the risk for anyone who wants to quit smoking - because to prevent these unpleasant sensations or stop, „many of those who are willing to stop puffing on the next cigarette.“

Analyze and rethink smoking habits for long-term success
For long-term success, therefore, smoking cessation should be well thought out and planned. According to the pharmacist Benkert, it is important that everyone who wants to quit first of all understands which rituals and habits are linked to smoking. In the next step alternatives for these situations without a cigarette should be considered: So far, for example, the cup of coffee was automatically connected to smoking in the morning, so it may be helpful to switch to another drink first - at least until drinking one Coffees no longer automatically the charm „Smoke!“ sends to the brain.

In the acute case, the three help „A tips“
If during the weaning phase, however, all thoughts are only about smoking, the renewed grasp on the cigarette is not far off. In this case, Thomas Benkert advises to use the „Three 'A-Tips': Postpone - breathe about ten times deep. Second, Dodge, for example, avoid the smoking area in the train station. Third, distract, for example, call someone. Instead of a cigarette you can also take a lollipop in your mouth. Then the hands and the lips are busy too.“

Nicotine substitute meaningless if inner attitude is not changed
At the same time, the pharmacist may also be able to contribute to a reduction of over-the-counter medicines with nicotine to alleviate the physical withdrawal symptoms. It would be well-suited for former occasional smoker especially nicotine chewing gum, because these would be slowly chewed when needed and left in the mouth so long are the „temptation“ leave again. For regular smokers on the other hand, the pharmacist recommends nicotine patches that stay on the skin for up to 24 hours and thus constantly deliver a small amount of nicotine to the blood. However, those who are willing to quit should not expect too much from the medicines, because those who are not really convinced of the cessation of smoking will find it very difficult to persevere with the renunciation: „Nicotine substitutes alone are usually not enough to say goodbye to the cigarette. You also have to change your inner attitude.“

Homeopathy and hydrotherapy as a natural supporter of smoking cessation
So unfortunately there is no „miracle Cure“ for smoking cessation - but as an alternative to the medicines also offers naturopathy some ways to help stop smoking. For example, homeopathy can help those who suffer from withdrawal symptoms: Nux vomica is particularly suitable for irritable and nervous moods, as well as exhaustion and problems with the concentration of Acidum phosphoricum. If the desire for a cigarette is particularly great, Plantago major or Lobelia inflata also help. Also the therapeutic use of water, in the form of a so-called „hydrotherapy“, can be very effective in withdrawal symptoms. Here, among other things, baths, treading or washing help to get under control nervousness, tension or tiredness. (No)

Picture: Martin Büdenbender