Q: I have tried to quit smoking five times. How can I quit and stay quit?
A: Recovering from nicotine dependence is not about willpower. It is about brain science.
Nicotine dependence is a chronic disease that creates long-term changes in your brain. Recovery is possible but may require medical support. Ask your primary care team or a tobacco treatment specialist for help.
If you want to join others who are planning to quit, today is The Great American Smokeout!
Read on for more details.
š„!Science Alert!š„
Long-term use (and age at first use) of nicotine, the main active chemical in tobacco, produces changes (some permanent) in the brainās function and structure.
Nicotine helps release the hormone and neurotransmitter DOPAMINE in the āgratificationā centers of the brain. It makes you feel good.
DOPAMINE not only makes you feel good but also activates āthe craving proteinā to help your brain get more of that good feeling by creating cravings in you.
ā¹ļø When a person has been smoking for a long time, this protein may stay elevated permanently
ā¹ļø This means some people may always have cravings
ā¹ļø People may have strong associations or triggers with specific activities: mealtime, after sex, while drinking alcohol, after using the toilet.
ā¹ļø Cravings may be more intense than just getting cranky. For some, their heart rate and other body systems start reacting like they are in danger, similar to a fight or flight response.
Thankfully there are ways to treat your cravings besides just avoiding your triggers! š
1) Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of:
a) Patches for steady, around-the-clock help
b) Lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers, with different strengths, for immediate relief
2) Non-nicotine medications include varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban).
3) Non-medication therapies include in-person or online support groups, hotlines, SMS texting programs, etc.
Insurance and Medicaid cover many types of nicotine replacement therapies and other supportive medications. Each choice has its advantages, and they may be used together to form a very effective treatment plan specific to your needs. Talk to your clinician before beginning medication, even over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. š«¶
If you would like to learn more about these ways of treating your nicotine dependence, check out this EXCELLENT resource.
You got this! šŖ
Those Nerdy Girls&+
This post was updated from the original written by a Nerdy Girl&+ on November 11, 2022.
