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One new product is chantix - a medication that binds to the nicotine receptors in the brain that helps stop the cravings for cigarettes...

Quitting smoking hasn't gotten any easier. But, there are a lot more medications, smoking cessation aids and support mechanisms than ever before for those trying to snuff out their smoking habit.

The Great American Smokeout is this Thursday, marking the 30th year of the day when people across the country will try at least one day without lighting up a cigarette.

Maria Kenneally, a nurse practitioner with Beloit Memorial Hospital's Janesville Family Health Center, said new and better medications are being developed all the time to help those /who are trying to quit smoking.

One new product is chantix - a medication that binds to the nicotine receptors in the brain that helps stop the cravings for cigarettes. Usually, a patient will be prescribed a 12 week supply, Kenneally said.

“And, unlike the nicotine patch, there is no risk of the patient having a heart attack if he or she slips and has a cigarette while using it,” Kenneally said.

Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, also is an effective tool for those trying to quit smoking. It can be used alone or in combination with the nicotine patch to cut cravings for tobacco products.

While medications are good and development of new drugs is becoming more advanced, support also is an important part of quitting the cigarette habit. Wisconsin has a very good support service available - The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line. This support service offers help to people trying to quit and it is as close as their telephone. By calling 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) smokers trying to quit will get free, comprehensive counseling and information that will help them in their efforts to quit. If the caller requests, a counselor will call to follow up with more assistance. Kenneally noted there also is a Quit Line for Spanish speaking smokers (1-877-2NO FUME).

There are several other products that have proven effective in helping people quit smoking - nicotine gum, nicotine patches, even acupuncture. The method chosen to help a person quit all depends on the individual, how many packs a day they have smoked and for how many years they have smoked.

“It's a matter of what works for you and what you can afford,” Kenneally said. “There was a woman I know who smoked three packs a day and had tried everything without success. Then she tried hypnosis and she is smoke-free today.”

A big factor in quitting smoking is the smoker has to want to quit and has to believe it is the right time to quit.

“I have counseled patients in the hospital after they have had bypass surgery,” Kenneally said. “The question is, do you want to quit and how motivated are you to quit.”

Sometimes it takes a traumatic event in the smoker's life to want to quit. He or she may have had a heart attack and realize, for their own health, it is time to quit.

Smokers will sometimes fear weight gain that will come with smoking cessation. Kenneally noted that nicotine helps stimulate the metabolism, so that is why about 80 percent of people who quit smoking will gain weight. But, she advises to recognize this fact and get out and exercise to battle the weight gain. But she also advises, take it slow and easy. Remember, a smoker has reduced lung capacity and the advise of a physician would be helpful in determining what type of exercise routine would be good for each individual.

Smokeout tips

Support

• Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line 1-800-QUIT NOW.
• Quit smoking Web site www.quitsmoking.com.
• Tell family and friends you are quitting to get support.
• Tell family physician you are quitting to get information and advice.

Medication

Chantix

Wellbutrin

Tips

• Drink plenty of water, 6 to 8 glasses a day.
• Get rid of all tobacco in the house and car.
• Empty ash trays and put away all tobacco paraphernalia such as lighters and ashtrays.
• Do relaxation stretches every 30 minutes.
• Chew on hard, low-calorie foods such as apples, carroots or celery.
• Deal with anger and frustration up front. Hit pillows, go for walks or exercise to vent anger.
• Get a stress ball to squeeze to ease anxiety.
• Take deep breaths three or four times whenever you feel stressed.
• Think of cigarette substitutes to put in your mouth, such as straws, flavored toothpicks.
• Use a pencil, pen or coin to keep your hands occupied.
• Avoid places where smoking is common for a while, such as taverns.
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine.
• Avoid alcohol for several weeks.