Smoking affects nearly every bodily organ, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can lead to poor health and conditions like cancer, acute myeloid leukemia and coronary heart and cardiovascular diseases, as well as reproductive effects and a host of other negative consequences. Despite all these well-known facts, people still struggle with the habit. Becoming smoke-free forever, however, is an attainable goal.
Step 1
Research and decide in advance which tools you will use to work through withdrawal symptoms. Preparing for the inevitable mood swings, headaches, anxiety and hunger with methods like talk therapy, nicotine gum and exercise are beneficial for battling cravings and averting your attention.
Step 2
Talk to a doctor about medications to help curb cravings. Tobacco and nicotine are potentially as addictive as cocaine, morphine and alcohol, according to MedlinePlus. Long-time smokers or those who smoke several packs of cigarettes daily may benefit from medicines like prescription nasal sprays, inhalers or low-dose anti-depressants.
Step 3
Write a list. Remembering the important reasons for quitting is an effective tool that is significant to how much success you will have, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 4
Enlist family and friends for support. Tell others about your goals so they can help motivate you to keep them. Warn fellow coworkers, friends and family members who are smokers so that they do not entice you to smoke.
Step 5
Replace old habits with new ones. Reward yourself with a cup of tea after meals rather than a cigarette, or use chewing gum to keep your mouth busy.
Step 1
Take it one day at a time. Quitting forever may seem like an impossible task, but setting smaller, daily goals feels more manageable.
Step 2
Forgive yourself for occasional setbacks. Quitting often takes several attempts. Take comfort in knowing that half of all adult smokers---millions of people--have succeeded in quitting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 3
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Things You'll Need
- Nicotine gum
- Paper and Pen
- Chewing gum/ tea
