Smoking is most common among men. This report reveals that 13 out of 100 adult men smoke, while only 10 out of 100 women do so. And among men, it remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.
Though this may convince you to stop smoking, doing so isn’t as easy as it sounds. You may have started because it made you feel more masculine, powerful, and in control. It can be hard to let go of a habit you associate with your masculinity, but it’s a must to become a better man.
Ready to get started? Here are some ways formidable men like you can quit smoking:
Avoid your smoking triggers
Everyone has smoking triggers. For instance, you might have started smoking after seeing your peers do it or during social events.
When quitting, it’s best to intentionally avoid these triggers to prevent relapse. Think of it as a test of your willpower and self-control as a man, which are vital qualities to have if you’re determined to quit. The next time you’re invited to a place or event that will trigger cigarette use, respectfully decline or find another activity that won’t make you want to smoke.
Use nicotine replacement therapy products
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) involves using nicotine products to assist you in quitting. Some products to consider are nicotine pouches and patches.
Nicotine pouches are oral products you place between your gum and lip. You may want to try the nicotine pouches from ZYN. This site shows that nicotine pouches are especially popular in the US thanks to them being completely tobacco-free and available in various nicotine strengths to meet your usual cigarette consumption. And since they’re sold under Philip Morris, you can guarantee their quality. Meanwhile, nicotine patches stick to your skin to deliver nicotine. This guide on Habitrol nicotine patches details how they can be worn for 24 hours for a constant nicotine dose. That can be especially convenient and suitable for busy men who used to consume multiple sticks daily.
Consider taking prescription medication
Sometimes, you need extra support to quit smoking. After all, men have more receptors that react to smoking than women, so you may find it harder to avoid relapse. To combat this, consider taking FDA-approved smoking cessation medicines.
One is Bupropion, a tablet taken twice or thrice daily depending on what your doctor prescribes you. Another is Varenicline. This prevents your brain from feeling the pleasant effects of smoking. It’s also a tablet taken regularly, as advised by your doctor. If these are not effective, you can look forward to a new drug called Cytisinicline. While it has yet to be FDA-approved, this article notes this plant-based alternative to Varenicline had promising results during clinical trials. Upon getting a prescription for such medication, you may be permitted to take these while using NRT products for better success.
Find better ways to deal with stress
Stress is a common motivation for smoking. Men use cigarettes for instant relaxation, turning it into a habit.
As you start your quitting journey, find other ways to deal with stress—like getting well-deserved rest. Our post on the power of resting emphasizes how this isn’t limited to physical rest—it’s also mental. Try restoring yourself to freshness with an intentional plan—which is to avoid smoking. The next time you’re stressed, take a day to refresh your mind, build your willpower, and focus on your goal.
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it’s still very possible for formidable men. Take note of our tips as you start your quitting journey!
