Stop Smoking Aids

Varenicline Tartrate (Chantix)

• Varenicline tartrate, marketed as Chantix, is a Food and Drug Administration- (FDA) approved medication that has helped thousands of people quit smoking. It is available by prescription only and is the second drug of its kind to be labeled as a medication specific to smoking cessation. The great thing about Chantix is, you can start taking it a week before your quit date. This allows you the option of continuing to smoke while the drug builds up in your body. This means, by day eight, quitting should be easier. Many people find this a huge selling point.

Bupropion (Zyban)

Bupropion, also known as Zyban and Wellbutrin, is a drug that was initially used to treat depression. Somewhere along the line, however, it was found that Zyban also helped reduce cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal. Now, it is a popular prescription medication commonly used to battle cravings.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Available in most cases over the counter, nicotine replacement therapy comes in many forms, including nasal spray, lozenges, chewing gum and the trans-dermal patch.

Electronic Cigarettes

Although the jury is still out concerning the long-term health effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), many say that they are a safe alternative to smoking the real deal and that they may even help you quit smoking cigarettes altogether. Scientists and the FDA, however, feel that their safety remains in question. Before you decide to try them, learn more about both sides of the story, and then make an informed decision.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative therapies such as hypnosis and acupuncture remain somewhat controversial, but are slowly breaking in as adjunct therapy to mainstream medicine. Hypnosis uses the power of suggestion to trigger the body into healing itself. It is used to change behaviors, reactions and habits that may be impacting an individual's health.

In smoking cessation, acupuncture uses hair-thin needles that are gently placed into certain points of the ears which remain in place for about 20 minutes. Commonly used for pain relief, it is thought to also help people quit smoking.

• How to Quit Smoking Naturally