4 alternatives to cigarettes that can help one quit smoking

An addiction is difficult to overcome, especially if it is a nicotine addiction. The nicotine content in one’s body ignites an urge for more nicotine, which leads to the vicious cycle of cigarettes after cigarettes. This chain, however, can be broken with some perseverance, motivation, and alternative methods that can replace one’s cigarette cravings. The cold turkey method is not an ideal way to quit smoking as it has the highest rate of failure. If one wants to quit smoking, they must take this slowly and gradually kill their body’s craving for nicotine. Read along to find about some common alternatives for smoking that can help one quit.

E-cigarettes/vape
One of the most common and effective alternatives for cigarette smoking – e-cigarettes – are beneficial as they help a smoker maintain their hand-to-mouth habit without any toxification. They have proved helpful to a large population of smokers and a great number of chain smokers as well. Vape is another alternative that works just like an e-cigarette. There are different types of vapes. It is ideal to start with a beginner’s pack if one is new to vapes.

Raw vegetables
This might not be the most heard-of alternative to smoking but helps people kick the butt. Smoking is largely an oral habit that is addictive due to nicotine. According to The American Cancer Society, chewing on fresh vegetables like raw cucumbers or carrots can help replace the oral habit of smoking. Furthermore, an added advantage is that these foods are a lot healthier than smoking a cigarette. One can also suck on sweets or sugarless gum if they are not fond of vegetables.

Nicotine gum
Nicotine gums are not entirely healthy but are healthier than smoking. They are a good place to start when one decides to quit smoking. Nicotine gums are sugarless gums that work in maintaining the nicotine levels in the body, thereby reducing one’s craving for cigarettes. However, these gums only maintain a minimal amount of nicotine, making them a far better choice than cigarettes. There have been studies that show the negative impact of nicotine on one’s body, but consuming nicotine gum will keep one away from smoke inhalation and carcinogens that can cause cancer.

Non-nicotine medications
There are only two non-nicotine-containing medications that are approved by the FDA which can be used to help smokers quit. Bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) are the names of the approved medication. These alternatives must be taken after a talk with one’s healthcare provider. It is ideal to try other methods before resorting to this one. Bupropion works by acting on the chemicals in the brain that control the nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. Consumption of this medication can reduce the withdrawal symptoms massively, making it easier for a person to quit smoking. On the other hand, varenicline works on the nicotine receptors in the brain, which leads to a drop in the pleasure one gets from consuming tobacco. These medications are available only with a prescription and are about a 12-week to 24-week course.