What Are Alternatives to Cigarettes? 4 Substitutes

1. Herbal cigarettes

Clove cigarettes are the most commoncigarettealternative, made up of 60%-70% tobacco blended with cloves and clove oils, as well as additives and flavorings. Since they contain tobacco, they can still lead to nicotineaddiction.

Although they are often touted as being safer than traditional cigarettes, they still contain tar and other carcinogens that are in ordinary cigarettes.Secondhand smokeof clove cigarettes is therefore dangerous.

2. Nicotine chewing gum

Nicotine in nicotine gum is absorbed through tissues in the mouth and sent to the bloodstream. When you have cravings, you can chew the gum to satisfy your need for a cigarette. Nicotine also comes in a variety of flavors, such as fruit and mint. However, chewing too much nicotine gum can lead to too much nicotine in your system.

3. Prescription medications

Prescription medications such asBupropionandVareniclinecan help with withdrawal symptoms. They function by inhibiting nicotine receptors in the brain, makingsmokingless pleasurable.

These medications are not suitable for everyone, however, so consult your doctor about whether they are right for you. There are also restrictions on how many prescriptions you can get in a year, and you may be forced to get support from your doctor while stopping.

4. Laser therapy

Similar toacupuncture, laser therapy uses low-intensity light orcoldlasers to stimulate certain areas of the body and trigger the release of endorphins, which mimic the relaxing effect nicotine has on the brain. However, studies are limited and there is limited research to support the effectiveness of this therapy.

Alternative therapies

Although there is no conclusive evidence to support their use, other alternative methods that have been used to help people quitcigarette smokinginclude:

• Hypnotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Cupping therapy
• Switching to lower nicotine and tar cigarettes
• Using filters and filter-blocking products

However, there is no proof that any of these approaches can help youquit smokingor lower your risk ofsmoking-related diseases.

Quitting cold turkey

Quitting cold turkey or abruptly may not work for everyone, but it has worked for some. This strategy relies on your willpower to get you through the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If you want to give it a shot, you'll have a better chance of success if you prepare ahead by:

• Avoiding situations that will make you want to smoke
• Diverting your attention with other activities
• Seeking help from family and friends.
• Focusing on the benefits of not smoking

Gradually cutting down

This strategy involves gradually reducing the quantity of cigarettes you smoke until you have quit completely. While not as beneficial as stopping immediately, it may be a nice way to start if you're not ready to quit right away. You can cut down by:

• Gradually increasing the time between cigarettes
• Reducing the number of daily smokes

However, even light smoking can be harmful to your health, so make sure you set a date to quit and do your best to stick to it.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

NRT aims to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. It is available without a prescription and comes in a variety of forms:

• Patches
• Gum
• Oral sprays
• Inhalers
• Lozenges or tablets

By administering modest, regulated quantities of nicotine into the bloodstream, you avoid the toxic compounds found in cigarette smoke.

Snacking

Quitting smoking is not easy. However, you can try distracting yourself with snacks to keep your hands and mouth occupied and potentially reduce cravings. Examples include nuts, seeds, popcorn, pretzels, carrot sticks, and celery.

Chewing sugar-free gum

Cigarettes, for manysmokers, are like pacifiers in that sometimes you are reaching for a cigarette just to have something in your mouth. Chewing sugarless gum can help you satisfy that desire without the risk of harmful effects.

Using flavored toothpicks

These work similarly tosugar-free gum in that theyexerciseyour mouth while keeping yourteethclean. These toothpicks are available in a variety of flavors and can be used for several hours. They are intended to alleviate cigarette cravings, and the fact that they are constructed of birch wood or bamboo makes them fully organic.

Relieving stress

Yogais a great way to relax and relievestress, which can cause you to reach for a cigarette.Runningis also a great way to improve your mood and be active.

Deep-breathing技术、可视化、按摩,甚至simply listening to peaceful music can all be used to combat and overcome cravings.

Aside fromweight gain, people who stop smoking may experience the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Food and nicotine cravings
• Tirednessordizziness
• Headache
• Cough
• Constipation
• Increasedanxiety
• Restlessness
• Depression
• Irritability
• Lack of energy

Although these side effects may be unpleasant, the benefits of quitting smoking far outweigh the inconveniences.