Many smokers seek freedom from the addiction to nicotine. They have good reasons to take these measures. Smokers experience a broad range of physical affects as well as mental and emotional affects. Known physical effects of smoking include numerous forms of cancer, heart disease, bronchitis, and strokes. Smoking can provoke an asthma attack and making asthma worse. Besides the physical problems, smoking can cause nervousness and anxiety when the smoker goes long periods without nicotine.
Because smoking is so addictive, smokers often try many ways to quit smoking before finally kicking the habit. It is recommended to quit “cold turkey,” or by stopping completely because smoking a single cigarette causes the body to crave more. Smokers often use therapies that replace the source of nicotine, such as gum, nasal sprays, or patches, gradually lowering the dosage. There are also a few prescription medicines on the market that appear to be effective in fighting nicotine addiction, including Bupropion, an antidepressant, and Varenicline, both of which reduce the effects of nicotine withdrawal.