Smoking is not only an unhealthy habit, it can be an expensive one as well. An average smoker burning up half a pack of cigarettes per day can save almost $1,000 per year by quitting smoking. Methods for quitting smoking vary, so doing some research to find out which one is best for you can improve your chances of quitting for good.
Cold Turkey
Some people prefer to just throw away their cigarettes and give up the habit overnight. This method may be effective for light to moderate smokers, but for heavy smokers it can be more difficult due to the amount of nicotine in the system and its addictive properties. Nicotine withdrawal makes it difficult for former smokers to continue kicking the habit and can cause headaches, shaking, dizziness and sweating.
Setting a Date
Setting a date by which to quit smoking is another method similar to cold turkey. With this method, the smoker sets a date in the near future---anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the amount smoked daily---to quit smoking. The smoker then gradually reduces the amount of cigarettes smoked daily in preparation for the quitting date. The object is to gradually wean the body off cigarettes over time rather than quitting all at once and putting the body through possible trauma due to nicotine withdrawal.
Nicotine Replacement
The objective of nicotine replacement is to ease the body from the addictive properties of nicotine over time while stopping the actual smoking of cigarettes immediately. Nicotine replacement can come in the form of patches, gum, lozenges and even inhalers, according to the American Cancer Society. Some nicotine replacement systems are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Doses usually reduce over time, allowing the former smoker's body to adapt to the lack of nicotine in the system gradually rather than all at once.
Group or Individual Counseling
As with alcoholism, group and individual counseling may be an effective way to quit smoking. Feeling like there are other people in your similar situation, struggling with the same things you struggle with while quitting smoking, can help you feel supported and more able to quit for good. Look for counseling programs that are at least 15 to 30 minutes long, last more than two weeks and have four or more sessions for maximum effectiveness, according to the American Cancer Society. If you choose counseling, go into it with an open mind and a willingness to talk not just about your smoking problem, but things in your life that make it hard for you to quit.
