I have rarely met a smoker who has not contemplated quitting their nicotine habit cold turkey. As an ex smoker myself, I know how many times I tried this method and failed. The truth is only 10 percent of smokers who try are successful on their first attempt Why is it so difficult to stop smoking cold turkey compared to other ways?

First you need to understand exactly why nicotine is so addictive in the first place. When you inhale, the nicotine from your cigarette causes receptors in your brain to release several chemicals, including dopamine which causes many of the good feeling you get when you smoke. Then when you quit your smokes, the lower levels of the same chemicals cause the miserable symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms can begin as soon as four to six hours after your last cigarette and stay with you for a month or more.

The withdrawal symptoms vary with each smoker but can include:

-Overwhelming cravings to smoke
-Insomnia
-Tiredness
-Headache
-Cough
-Sore throat
-Tightness in the chest
-Dry Mouth

So although they are temporary, you can see why such physical reactions could make you extremely uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable you are, the faster you will reach for a cigarette to relieve yourself of the unpleasantness of withdrawal. It can become a vicious circle.

When I finally won my battle over nicotine addiction, it was with the help of a nicotine replacement aid. These aids work by giving you nicotine without having to smoke. You will be 50% to 100% more likely to quit using a nicotine replacement aid.

The aids come in different forms according to your individual lifestyle. You can choose from gum, patches, inhalers, lozenges, and sprays. New and improved products have hit the market since I quit but with a little research you can find the perfect aid for you.

The challenge to quit smoking is monumental. While every smoker would like to quit smoking cold turkey, it is certainly not the proven way to go nor is it the easiest.

Arm yourself first with the nicotine replacement aid of your choice and then meet your challenge head on! I did it and I know you can too!