Your dad is ready to stop smoking. He needs your support. He also needs to know the most effective methods.
Here are four methods that many former smokers have found help ease the nicotine cravings…
Counseling Sessions
Working with a counselor online, over the phone, or in person can help with cravings. A supportive person who your dad can call throughout the day and night can be very helpful. If a counselor is desired, look for one who has been a smoker and knows exactly what the cravings are like when you try to quit. Pairing counseling with nicotine replacement therapy is even more effective.
Smoking Cessation Aids
Nicorette gum, nicotine patches, inhalers, and lozenges are all smoking cessation aids that work for people who are quitting smoking. The medications offer a dose of nicotine to help ease cravings. Over the weeks and months, the dosage of nicotine is reduced. This helps wean the body from the addictive substance.
Prescription medications and over-the-counter smoking cessation aids often lead to annoying side effects. For example, the oral medication Chantix may lead to anxiety and irritability. Nicotine patches may irritate the skin. Oral medications like gum or lozenges may cause heartburn and indigestion.
Hypnosis
Some smokers find hypnosis can be effective in decreasing the intensity or frequency of cravings. If your dad enters into a hypnosis session believing it will never work, his frame of mind may impact the effectiveness. Make sure he’s open to the idea that a hypnosis session can really help him stop smoking.
Insurance plans are not likely to cover the cost of hypnosis, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you pair hypnosis with smoking cessation aids, it can be easier to quit.
Bring in Support
Your dad’s going to have times when the cravings are worst. Certain things will trigger cravings. If your dad always started his day with a cigarette, newspaper, and cup of coffee, he may find the newspaper and coffee make him want the coffee more than during other times of the day. Having someone there for the cravings can make them easier. If you distract your dad from the craving, he’ll have an easier time.
Hire a caregiver to help with the necessary distractions. Instead of having a coffee right after getting up, have a senior care professional join your dad for a walk around the neighborhood. When he’s back, the caregiver can cook his breakfast while he takes a shower. Learn more about the benefits of senior care by calling an agency now.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering homecare in Pacifica, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
- Do You Need Help with Personal Care for Your Senior? - September 16, 2019
- Causes and Risk Factors for Shingles in the Elderly - September 12, 2019
- Five Reasons Your Senior Might Need a Daily Routine - September 5, 2019
