We all realise by now the serious ill effects of smoking on our health (and on our wallets). Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of death all over the world. Smokers are at high risk for heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. Pregnant women who smoke expose the foetus to many health risks. Male smokers are more likely to suffer from Erectile Dysfunction. So why don’t more people quit smoking?
The answer to that is quite simple.

Why smoking is so addictive.
Nicotine from the cigarette attaches itself to receptors in the brain. This causes another area of the brain to release ‘dopamine’ which is associated with a ‘pleasurable’ feeling. When the levels of dopamine drop, the smoker desires this pleasurable feeling once again, and is motivated to smoke another cigarette. This is what makes nicotine so addictive.

Quit smoking.
Once addicted to smoking, it is extremely difficult to quit ‘cold turkey’. There are many options available to help us stop smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy, support groups, and therapy are all options worth considering. There are even some alternative options like Hypnotherapy, Accupuncture, Accupressure, and Electrostimulation, but these have not been clinically proven effective yet.
However, there are a couple of really effective pharmaceutical meds available today that may help us quit for good.

Quit smoking meds.
There are two very good anti-smoking prescription meds available to help us with our resolve; Varenicline (Chantix, Champix), and Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin). Since they do not both work in the same way, let us check each one out to see which one is right for you.

Varenicline.
Remember that nicotine adheres to certain receptors in the brain, which in turn triggers other areas of the brain to release ‘feel good’ dopamine? Well, Varenicline attaches itself to the same nicotine receptors, but prevents the brain from releasing dopamine. So when smoking introduces nicotine into the brain, the nicotine is unable to cause the dopamine to be released. No dopamine means no ‘feel good’ effect, which in turn stops the desire for nicotine. Since the nicotine cannot cause the pleasurable feeling anymore, the person stops craving a cigarette.
Varenicline attaches itself to the nicotine receptors, so there is some release of dopamine caused by this. But this release is much lower than that caused by nicotine, and is steady and constant since Varenicline has to be taken every day for a long period of time. Thus Varenicline prevent the ‘ups and downs’ of dopamine release, and smokers have reduced cravings until the need for nicotine is completely eliminated.

Bupropion.
Bupropion was first manufactured as a drug to help with depression. Smokers who used the medicine to treat depression noticed that they suddenly did not feel the urge to smoke as much as they used to. Bupropion was further researched, and repacked as an anti smoking medicine.
Bupropion works differently than nicotine patches or nicotine gum. There is no nicotine whatsoever in the drug. The smoker keeps reducing the number of cigarettes he smokes until he arrives at a ‘quit’ date. Then he stops smoking completely, but keeps taking Bupropion for quite a while after. Bupropion considerably reduces the withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for the smoker to quit. It has the greatest effect on withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depressed mood, irritability, anger, restlessness, and difficulty with concentration.

Which one is right for me?
It is very important to have a doctor prescribe which anti-smoking med is right for you. The doctor has to take into account the state of your health, other meds you may be taking, and medical conditions you may have. As with every pharmaceutical, both Bupropion and Varenicline have side effects and are contra-indicated in people with certain existing medical conditions. As well, each medicine may react unfavourably with other meds you may be taking. So please, when you are ready to quit smoking (you really should quit smoking), please consult with your doctor and have him prescribe the right anti-smoking medicine for you.

Remember, smoking is extremely dangerous to your health. Many people claim it relaxes them and relieves stress, but this is just a myth. Nicotine is both a stimulant as well as a sedative to your nervous system. It is highly addictive because it causes the cycle of ‘pleasure’ and ‘reward’.
People who have stopped smoking report that after some time, they actually feel less stress than they did while they were smoking. Smoking creates its own stress, while being extremely harmful to your health. The stress benefits of smoking are a dangerous lie. Exercise and a healthy diet go a longer way to relieving stress and keeping you firm, fit and healthy. Next time you feel stressed, reach for your running shoes instead of a cigarette. Your body and mind will thank you.

To a smoke-free life!
Sonia.