Help to quit smoking can be best obtained by helping your ownself by firm determination to quit smoking and help from family and friends. Also practicitng some simple techniques and taking certain medications can help quit smoking.

The first thing to do is to tell your mind that you are detemined to quit smoking. Make a firm decision in your mind. Even if you have failed in past, try again. Talk a lot to your ownself. Think about the benefits about quitting smoking and the evils of smoking. Say this to your mind "One cigarette takes away 4 precious minutes of my life."

Their are several medications available for quitting smoking habit. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medications. However any medication should be taken only after it is prescribed by a qualified physician. The medications are -

Bupropion SR.
Nicotine gum
Nicotine inhaler
Nicotine nasal spray
Nicotine patch
Nicotine lozenge

Out of the above, the Nicotine gum and the patch are available over the counter. Others are available by prescription only. But its good to consult a physician before taking it. In this article Im going to talk about nicotine patches.

Nicotine Patch
Nicotine patches are another way to quit smoking. Patches are applied directly to the skin; each applied at an interval of 24 hours. There are a variety of different patches each with different content level of Nicotine.

Nicotine patches are available only if prescribed by a qualified physician. They should exactly be as used as per the prescription. Over dosage or any experimentation with the application area of patches should be avoided.
The patch should be applied on upper arm, upper area of chest or the hip. The area should not be oily or very hairy (preferably hairless). If required shave off the hair in the area. The area should be kept clean and dirt free. Replace the patch if it falls off the skin.

The patch should be wore for about 24 hours. Never wear 2 patches (though they might be on different areas of body) at a time. That would equal to over dosage.

This treatment takes anywhere from a month or five months depending upon your ability to resist the urge to smoke. The strength of the patch applied should gradually be brought down. Also the frequency of usage should be gradually brought down.

Like in case of any other remedy, Patches may cause stomach upset, irritation or dizziness. If this continues, consult your doctor. Also consult your doctor immediately if u feels breathing problems or chest pain or any similar problems. Remember, if you follow the treatment religiously for about 5 months, you can get rid of the dangerous smoking habit for a lifetime.