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A LITTLE HELP
TO STOP SMOKING
Quitting smoking can sometimes feel like being on a
roller coaster… Fortunately, more than ever, there are
services and methods to help.
Pharmacological aids:
why?
Pharmacological aids reduce the effects of physical withdrawal and the craving to smoke.
It therefore becomes easier to learn to live without cigarettes on a day-to-day basis. By adding an aid to your motivation, you can almost double your chances of success anddiminish the risk of relapse. A little help that can go a long way! How to choose
a treatment
Two types of pharmacological treatment have been scientifically proven to be effective : Your physician or pharmacist can help you choose the treatment best suited to you, takinginto account your needs, and health, as well as contraindications and possible side effects.
Nicotine
replacement therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy is available in the form of a patch (such as Nicoderm®or Habitrol® ) or gum (such as Nicorette® and Nicorette Plus®). These medications helpthe body adjust to life without tobacco by providing part of the nicotine dose to which it is accustomed. The treatment usually consists of three phases over a period of 10 to 12 weeks and gradually reduces the amount of nicotine delivered. Recently, a new form of nicotine replacement therapy has become available: the nicotineinhaler. Ask your physician or pharmacist for more information.
Bupropion
tablets
Sold by prescription only, bupropion tablets (Zyban®) relieve the symptoms of withdrawaland reduce the desire to smoke. It is recommended to start the treatment one week before quitting smoking to allow the medication time to work. The treatment generally lasts 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes more. Withdrawal:
when you’ve just got to have it!
The nicotine found in tobacco creates a dependency as strong as that caused by cocaine.
When you stop smoking, your body, accustomed to its regular dose, indicates something is missing through symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, irritability, etc. This is known asphysical withdrawal. These symptoms come and go, as well as vary in intensity, from oneperson to the next.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HOW SAFE ARE
PHARMACOLOGICAL AIDS?
When used properly, pharmacological aids are perfectly
safe and are not habit-forming. The same can not be said
of tobacco smoke, with its 4,000 chemical substances,
50 of which cause cancer!
Is the treatment expensive?
When prescribed by a physician, the cost of most pharmacological aids can bereimbursed by public or private insurance plans. Check with your physician orpharmacist.
Is nicotine gum as efficient as the patch?
Yes, when used as indicated and employing the proper chewing technique, nicotinegum can also almost double the chances of success when quitting smoking.
Can nicotine cause cancer?
Nicotine does not cause cancer, but it is responsible for the dependency on cigarettes.
Are there other methods that can help, besides medication?
Yes, although no scientific study has confirmed the effectiveness of alternative methodssuch as hypnosis, psychotherapy or acupuncture in treating the dependency on tobacco.
Is withdrawal over once the physical symptoms disappear?
Quitting smoking is not only a question of freeing yourself from the physical dependencyon nicotine. It is also a matter of reviewing the habits associated with tobacco and oflearning to manage certain emotions: this is referred to as psychological withdrawal.
To help you overcome these challenges, make sure you have a good support network.
Stick to the treatment
Whatever the medication you are using, be sure to follow all instructions and continuethe treatment for the entire recommended period. If you have any questions orconcerns, don’t hesitate to consult your physician or pharmacist.
Finding support
Ask a member of your family or a friend to sponsor you and to be availablewhen you need support and encouragement. Visit www.quitchallenge.ca for information on quitting, testimonials,
tips and a forum or to sign yourself up for free J’écrase! e-mails
of encouragement.
Call the j’arrête helpline at 1-866-527-7383 for free and confidential
help and information services or to locate the Quit-smoking Centre
nearest you.

Source: http://www.chssn.org/En/pdf/LittleHelp.pdf