Don’t give up giving up!
If you are one of those people who decided to stop smoking in March well done, it’s a tough time for you!
We would like to offer our support by giving you a little information on what could help you keep focused.
Just three out of every 100 smokers stop smoking by going cold turkey says the NHS.
Did you know almost all of the harm from smoking comes from inhaling tobacco smoke rather than nicotine?
There are some risks of inhaling nicotine, but they are relatively minor says the Royal College of physicians, yet it’s nicotine that makes many people struggle with quitting smoking.
That’s because nicotine is regarded as an addictive drug and combining it with tobacco smoke is thought to make it even more addictive as it’s the quickest way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream, according to action on smoking and health (ash).
The addictive affective nicotine is linked to its ability to trigger the release of a chemical in the brain called dopamine which is associated with feelings of pleasure.
When you stop smoking or reduce the amount of cigarettes you smoke you may experience one or more withdrawal symptoms including;
- a stronger urge to smoke
- irritability
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating
- restlessness
- sleep difficulties
- increased appetite
It is the toxins and other substances in tobacco smoke that cause most of the harm. Separating the nicotine from the tobacco is believed to be an effective way to help quitters to overcome their cravings and the way you get nicotine without the tobacco is through the use of nicotine replacement therapy products NRT.
These work by giving you some of the nicotine you would get with smoking a cigarette but without the harmful substances found in tobacco smoke.
It doesn’t give you the same experience as smoking a cigarette, but it does help reduce cravings, and it’s being used to help millions of smokers to quit so it could help you at the start.
If you have a heart or circulatory condition or are taking regular medicines check with your GP beforehand. If you’re pregnant talk to your GP or midwife before using any nicotine replacement products, always read the information to make sure you know how to use the product and know the maximum amount you can take each day.
Nicotine patches are good for people who don’t like the taste of oral products like lozenges, they release a steady amount of nicotine into the bloodstream through the skin, they can be worn 24 hours a day or just during the time you’re awake.
A 24 hour patch may be more suitable for those who crave cigarettes first thing in the morning they are available in different strengths so you can gradually reduce the amount of Nicotine you get from them.
Nicotine gum is good for people who need a short burst of nicotine to relieve cravings. By chewing the nicotine gum the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth the taste becomes strong or hot, this releases the nicotine. You should be able to chew less nicotine gum overtime as the cravings decrease.
Lozenges, micro tabs, inhalers and nasal sprays are also available to help you through the craving period.
There is so much support everywhere to help anyone wanting to give up, like local support groups, phone apps, online chat services and more.
Visit www.nhs.uk they have so much advice available on what products are, how they work, and who they are suitable for.
Also "Stop smoking London" have an advice line on not only how to stop smoking but how to help anyone you know how to stop. Take a look at london.stopsmokingportal.com
Looking after your body inside and out is so important both physically and mentally.
Wimbledon Physiotherapy Clinic have three sports massage therapists who can provide massage treatments which can also help relieve tension and fatigue from the stresses of giving up smoking. You should find you have more energy, and want to get back to fitness. If you have any muscular issues before you start or during any fitness regime we would be happy to help.
Keep up the good work!