Ways to Quit Smoking

Congratulations on taking that first to step to quitting. Now, let’s see if we can kick that habit for good. There are various ways to help you stop smoking; try a few combine a few to find the easiest method for you.

If you are feeling brave you can try to quit cold turkey; just throw all your cigarettes in the trash and never smoke another one again. The benefits to this plan of attack are that it is free, safe, immediately start the healing process for yourself, and you’ll stop exposing your loved ones to harmful chemicals right away. There are a few disadvantages such as, nicotine withdrawal, cravings, irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, depression and restlessness especially for those first few weeks. Chances of succeeding with this method is about 1 in 20. If you are highly motivated try this first.

If you’ve tried quitting cold turkey, but failed or it just seems too hard, try gradually quitting. Keep cutting back on cigarettes until you are finally at zero. The chances of succeeding are about the same as quitting cold turkey: 1 in 20, but if you choose to do it this way your body will get used to the amount of nicotine slowly decreasing, so you won’t have as bad withdrawal symptoms. Plus, it’s free! Well, except for the cigarettes. People have found that it is exceptionally hard to give up the last few cigarettes a day though.

Bupropion (Zyban) can be taken to increase your chance of quitting from about 1 in 20 to about 1 in 10! It costs about $130 a month for the pills, but most insurance companies will partially cover it. It may seem expensive, but just think of all the money you’ll be saving in the long run. It doesn’t contain any nicotine and smokers trying to quit usually gain less weight when taking this with another method. Bupropion may cause dry mouth, nausea, insomnia and put you at a higher risk for seizures.

Many people trying to quit seek counseling to help them stay motivated and increase their chances from again about 1 in 20 to about 1 in 10. Talking to people is a great way to open up and relieve some stress. It is especially helpful when you are trying to quit smoking. Unfortunately private counseling can cost a pretty penny usually $50 – $125 PER session. Group counseling is usually falls between $125 – $200 for 6-8 week course sessions. If you don’t have the money for there, or neither really appeal to your interest the quit lines are always free and you can call (877) 937-7848 24 hours a day, which is the American Cancer Society’s line or try NA (Nicotine Anonymous).

It has not been proved that this a sure way of helping you quit smoking, but more and more people are turning to Hypnosis or acupuncture to help them calm cigarette cravings, and it seems to have helped quite a few people. These drug-free treatments usually cost $65 – $100 per session, but most insurance companies help cover the costs.

Here are some general tips for you to help you along the way. Take walks and exercise if you are looking to lose weight, not cigarettes. Find someone to talk to whether it be a therapist, counselor or friend. If you want, but can’t afford private professional counseling there is group counseling, a 24-hour cessation hot-line at (877) 937-7848 and the American Cancer Society. Get friends and family to keep you motivated. You can also check out NA (Nicotine Anonymous) if you would like some extra help. Don’t think that you won’t get cravings because you will. Think ahead and plan out what you are going to do to settle (anything but smoking a cigarette) Go for a run, chew a piece of gum, pop a mint, call up a friend, etc. You can do it! Once you succeed, don’t forget to do something nice for yourself and your family. You could put all the money that you used to spend on cigarettes in a jar and take a trip the whole family will love.