Quit Smoking Permanently

Although smoking is known to be extremely unhealthy, many smokers who decide to quit have an extremely hard time. There are a lot of methods to use, so don't give up if you fail at first. Keep trying until you overcome this nasty habit. You are harming not only yourself, but anyone you come in contact with. A word of advice: talk to your doctor about quitting before you start any program.

The method most people try is to quit cold turkey. Unfortunately, this method is rarely successful. Quitting cold turkey means that you stop smoking cigarettes completely and never have another one. A few people have the will power to quit cold turkey, but there is more than willpower involved with this process. Your body is physically addicted to nicotine, suddenly stopping will result in fairly serious withdrawal symptoms. Quitting cold turkey may work for some people, but generally most people will start smoking again within a few days.

Other available options are nicotine gum and patches. Using these tools help you to come off your addiction to cigarettes, or other forms of nicotine, more slowly. Again, before using either of these methods you should discuss it with your doctor. Once you get the go-ahead, carefully follow all the directions. Unfortunately, part of the addiction is the habit of smoking itself. Besides the physical addiction, you are mentally and emotionally addicted as well. The hand to mouth motion is habit forming as is the oral gratification.

Another option to consider is using medication to help you quit your smoking habit and nicotine addiction. Again, check with your doctor to discuss your options. Your doctor can prescribe a medication that is successful with few side effects. Of course, never take any medication that has been prescribed to someone else - the medication could adversely affect you or interfere with other medications you may be taking.

If you are successful in your quest to stop smoking, know that the process will go on for the rest of your life. The social aspects are still there, even if you've beat the addiction. In the beginning stages at least, you may need to change your lifestyle. An example of what this means is to consider how many people like a cigarette with their drinks. Until you gain some confidence it would probably be best to tell your friends you won't go out drinking for a while.

If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. You can extend your life by quitting now and also avoid terrible diseases attributed to smoking. Be good to yourself, do it now.