Getting older (beautifully)? stop smoking

Quitting smoking If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. The figures don't lie: one out of two smokers will die from a smoking-related condition. Smoking and ageing are strongly linked. If you're worried about getting older and want to look good for as long as possible, smoking is the last thing to do. Smoking undermines the effects of anti-aging products. Continuing to smoke also undermines your cardiovascular system and makes the occurrence of varicose veins and similar disorders more likely. So now is a very good time to quit. As a smoker, you have of course known this for a long time. But how do you make sure you quit smoking permanently?

• Important: the chances of success by using the “cold-turkey” method (complete abstinence at once) are small. Current research shows that 95% of people who try to quit smoking without any kind of practical help fail to do so. This is not due to weakness, but it does show how incredibly addictive smoking is.

Fortunately, there are a number of practical tools that can support you and give you a much better chance of success. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT = nicotine replacement therapy) is a successful method. Research has shown that your chances of quitting for good double with NRT. NRT is especially recommended in combination with a behavioral change program. In the Netherlands, NRT products are available at pharmacies, but also by prescription and as part of a quit smoking program. Your doctor can further help you find the right program. The programs are initially reimbursed by the insurance. Check your insurance conditions to be on the safe side.

Various NRT products

There are a number of different NRT products on the market. Most common are nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and nicotine lozenges. The products release small doses of nicotine and thus remedy the most severe withdrawal symptoms such as tension, irritability, drowsiness and lack of concentration. The products should be used in the first phase of the stopping process (the first eight to ten weeks).

• Nicotine patches have the advantage that the nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Because the nicotine is not absorbed by the stomach, there is less risk of the nicotine being neutralized by stomach acid or causing nausea. Throughout the day, nicotine is gradually absorbed into the blood, so you don't have to do anything else to reduce the urge to smoke. Nicotine patches can be worn where they are not visible and will not interrupt your regular daily routine or meals.

• Nicotine gum delivers nicotine to the brain very quickly and can therefore also be very effective — provided it is used properly. The recommended method is to “chew and park”. Due to the unpleasant taste, chewing nicotine gum in the usual way is very unpleasant and can increase the urge to smoke. You should chew the gum thoroughly a few times and then “park” it between your cheek and gums. The nicotine was released so slowly and absorbed into your bloodstream via the blood vessels under the mucous membrane.

• Nicotine lozenges are similar to chewing gum in how they work and how they are used. The lozenge should decompose in the mouth for 20-30 minutes, gradually releasing and absorbing nicotine.

Nicotine gum and lozenges mainly have the advantage that you can decide when to take the nicotine. You may only have a hard time quitting smoking in specific situations, such as having a drink with friends or after dinner. It is then better to only use an NRT product at those times. All NRT products can be successfully combined with a quit smoking program. It might take a moment to find out which method works best for you.

How do I quit smoking?

The first and most important step to take to quit smoking forever is the agreement you make with yourself to really quit. Willpower is a very decisive factor for success. You have to be clear and determined —”At any cost, I will stop!”. List all the reasons you have for quitting. It pays off on so many fronts. Successful quitters have often had support from someone close to you. This could be your partner, a close friend, or a family member. An ally in your fight against smoking can help keep you motivated to keep quitting until you get over your addiction. Agree that this person will try to support you in an active and positive way. A “helmsman on shore” who merely criticises you is demotivating. Remember that quitting smoking directly affects your health and aging process positively. There is no reason why you should not be able to quit smoking. If you really want to, you're not just thinking about quitting smoking, but you're now taking action and quitting smoking.