I’ve attempted to quit smoking and have had a difficult time. Are there treatments to help me? Are they expensive?
When quitting tobacco, a person encounters two obstacles: nicotine withdrawal symptoms and overcoming the triggers that lead to smoking. As you know, nicotine is a drug that causes physical dependence and tolerance. In the absence of nicotine, cravings kick in, as can the following symptoms: depressed mood, insomnia, anxiety, anger or irritability, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and weight gain or increased appetite.
Treatments include nicotine replacement (the patch, gum, lozenges, inhaler or nose spray), behavioral counseling with a medical worker, help-line or group-based therapy, or use of medications like Chantix or Zyban. Studies show that success is more likely in smokers who use medication or nicotine replacement in combination with counseling than with medications or counseling alone. That’s why most states, including Montana, offer a free support service called Quit Line and reduced cost medications or free nicotine replacement therapy to enrollees.
Keep in mind that the medications and nicotine inhalers or nose sprays require a prescription from your healthcare provider. Both Chantix and Zyban are excellent for blunting the symptoms of withdrawal, but need to be discussed with your provider to make sure they are safe for you. Chantix is priced similarly to the cost of a pack-per-day habit, as is Zyban. Nicotine patches and gum can be purchased over the counter.
Overcoming triggers, or “kicking the habit” can be quite difficult. This is because smokers associate the pleasurable effects of tobacco with environmental triggers such as morning coffee, alcoholic drinks or the end of a meal. It’s important to anticipate these triggers and find ways to overcome them. This can be discussed with your help-line counselor or healthcare provider, especially when they seem insurmountable. Often alternative activities such as exercise or friendly support are all that are needed to beat the triggers.
If you feel you’ve tried everything, talk to your medical provider about your concerns. You can also call the Montana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Likely you’ll find the help you need to achieve a tobacco-free life.
Maren Dunn, D.O., is owner of Gallatin Family Medicine, a medical clinic in the Big Sky Meadow Village. Have a question? Email her at inquiries@gallatinfamilymedicine.com.
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm