Dr. Saunders’ Kick The Habit Plan To Quit Smoking

Over a hundred years ago Mark Twain quipped, “It’s easy to quit smoking. I’ve done it hundreds of times.”  The concept of quitting a habit is as old as people, but smoking is one habit that seems especially difficult to overcome.  I have patients who quit methamphetamines, heroin and alcohol, but cannot overcome the tobacco habit.  They tell me it is the hardest thing.

One patient was able to quit when he got throat cancer, but only because he hated the tracheostomy tube so much and knew he would never smoke again if he did not beat the cancer odds. Others with this same problem actually smoke through the tube!

The methods and ways people quit are varied, almost as the number of quitters.  Some medications are used, but these were mostly created for a different purpose. When drug testing was being done on these medications, the statistical analysis showed that a greater number of smokers quit in the active medicine group than in the placebo group.  The pharmaceutical company then decided to market this effect of the medicine instead of the intended use, such as anti-depressant.  There are patches, pills, electronic cigarettes, creams and all manner of physical assistance to help quit smoking.

Decision to Quit

Kicking the habit starts with a decision.  Many who are pushed from the outside will say they want to quit, but really want to continue smoking.  This decision must come from within.  When I counsel people in my office, I simply ask them what they want to do.  I then assess whether they are ready to start trying.  Those who have made a firm resolve to quit smoking find a successful way.

My grandfather was given cigarettes as part of his Navy rations during World War II.  At home, his wife did not like the smoke in the house, plus they had a son with asthma.  So, he decided just to postpone his usual smoking.  He would reach for a cigarette from his shirt pocket, take one out, look at it and say, “I’ll just wait a few minutes.”  He kept putting it off until after a few months went by he realized he had gone a full week without smoking.  He then took the cigarettes out of his shirt pocket and said, “No use just carrying these around…” threw them in the trash and never smoked again.

Dr. Manchester was a pediatrician who smoked and would counsel all of his young patients never to start smoking.  He tried to quit, but kept going back to it and felt like a hypocrite.  He paid for all sorts of programs, used all the medications and tried hundreds of times without success.  He felt so discouraged that he quit being a pediatrician and became a psychiatrist.  One day, he suffered a heart attack and ended up in the hospital.  As he was lying in the hospital bed, he hated being there so much he knew he would never smoke again just to avoid it — and he quit easily.

Patches

I had one patient, when the patches required a prescription, who was wearing a patch for many years.  We kept trying to wean him off, but he would come in for another round.  I do not know if he ever got off the patches, but at least he was not smoking.

Patches with nicotine in them are now available over-the-counter.  They are mostly helpful for those who really smoke for the nicotine, not for other reasons.  If you get shaky, nervous, jittery, and very irritable in the first several days after quitting, then this may be an option for you.  Those who can go a full day without these symptoms are less likely to benefit from patches.

Drugs

There are many drugs available now to help with the smoking habit. If you are going to use these, then it is essential that you weigh the risks and benefits with your doctor.  The smoking cessation drugs may work a little, but they have side-effects, which you may not want. 

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Acupuncture

There are many acupuncture programs to help with smoking cessation, which may work well for some.  The acupuncture takes away the cravings to help a person through the difficult “nicotine withdrawal.”  This is done every day, or even twice per day.  Some acupuncturists use the needles that stay in and are taped down in this method of treatment.

Change Habits

The cravings we have often come simply because of our routine.  When we are accustomed to doing things a certain way it is difficult to change.

• Many get in the car and pull out a cigarette.
• Some finish dinner and go out for a smoke.
• Others get stressed and smoke to relax their nerves.

It is essential to assess the times and reasons for smoking so you can change your routine.

• If you smoke after eating, then you can schedule meals differently, for example.
• Getting in the car and using a toothpick or chewing gum instead of a cigarette might help.
• Adding a few minutes of exercise in your day when you would otherwise be smoking is also useful.  One of my patients took up running marathons because she found that the “runner’s high” helped her quit for good.

People will often tell me it is too much to change everything at once. However, in reality, changing multiple habits at the same time makes each of them easier.  You can change to a healthy diet, start an exercise routine and quit smoking all at the same time.  This works!  Be creative with your change in habits and you can make the transition much easier.

Eating Habits

Changing your habits should include a change in diet.  One common health problem that comes with not smoking is eating instead.  If a person quits smoking and gains about sixty pounds, then the benefit is much less.  The illnesses associated with the weight gain are about equal to those caused by smoking.  It is therefore very important to maintain a good diet and exercise program.

Changing your diet at the same time you quit smoking can actually help a great deal.  It is so important to eat lots of raw foods.  Keep snacks around like fruit, celery and baby carrots.  Do this at the same time you quit smoking  — it helps with the habitual smoking.

Avoid alcohol in any form.  There is an automatic association of alcohol with cigarettes.  Moreover, the alcohol will lessen your resolve.

Exercise Habits

It is so useful to sweat because sweat helps get toxins out of the body.  Many people use saunas to sweat regularly and detoxify their bodies.  Exercise produces the same results, but with the added benefit of releasing endorphin hormones that calm stress in your body.

Supplements

Peter had smoked since he was a young adult.  His wife has been pushing him to quit for many years.  He tried several times, but just went back to it.  One day he was scheduled for surgery and came in the office for IV nutrition to improve healing.  We added some amino acids to calm his nerves and he found he did not have any cravings that whole week!  He continued getting weekly injections of vitamins and amino acids and was able to stop smoking now for over a year.

Supplements to help with cravings include vitamins, minerals and neurotransmitters.  Do not just take everything, but find what works for you by trying it one at a time.  Take them for about a week before you trying something else. If it works, then it will make a difference in how you feel.

The following amino acids help to make the neurotransmitters that affect how we feel.  Any or all of them can be useful in curbing cravings, feeling less anxious or avoiding depression:

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  GABA – 500 mg per day
• 5-HTP – 100 mg twice per day
• Taurine – 100 mg three times per day
• L-Theanine – 200 mg per day

Minerals include:

• Magnesium – 400 mg at night
• Selenium – 200 mcg per day, taken by anyone who smokes (Selenium does not cut cravings, but helps make glutathione, which protects your lungs.)

Addictions are one of the most powerful ways we are brought to understand our dependence on God.  It is essential when we truly desire to overcome our problem that we turn to the Lord in prayer and specifically ask for help.  Make a plan and then lay your trouble at His feet. You will find help and strength beyond your natural ability.

I have worked with many people and find the ones who pray are the most successful, including those individuals above.  Help comes in many unexpected ways; at times it may be a story, an article, a thought or an idea.  You must remain open to anything and if you are not sure, ask again in prayer.

My experience, both personal and that of others, tells me that every sincere prayer is answered.  As has been shown with Alcoholics Anonymous, it is the only way long-term success is achieved.  Make prayer a new habit.  Do not skimp on this one!  It is the only “sure thing” that will be useful for everyone.

Last Time

Most people do not quit on the first try to give up smoking.  Depending on the study, it takes an average of eight tries to be successful.  Some try once, others twenty times or more.  The rule is, as with any addiction, do not try it alone.  Get help.  Counseling is useful, as are friends and family.  Tell everyone you are trying to quit – they will help you (whether you like it or not!).

As Winston Churchill so aptly stated, “Never give up; NEVER give up; NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up!”

Are you ready to give up smoking?  Tell us below and find the help you need with the Home Cures That Work community!

 

 

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Dr. Scott D. Saunders, M.D. (Ask-an-MD) is a practicing physician, specializing in preventative healthcare, who utilizes eclectic health care for the whole family, including conventional, orthomolecular and natural medicine. He is also the medical director of The Integrative Medical Center of Santa Barbara in Lompoc, CA. He went to UCLA medical school and is board certified in family medicine. View natural remedies with Dr. Saunders at: http://drsaundersmd.com/