5 Easy Ways to Stop Smoking

Because of the highly addictive nature of nicotine, most people who quit smoking made several attempts before succeeding. According to former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, nicotine is as addictive as heroin. Smoking is also emotionally addictive and many people have activities and behaviors associated with smoking. While quitting is not easy, there are five steps you can take to make the transition from smoker to nonsmoker easier.

Want to Quit

Many people quit smoking because of pressure from family, friends and other forces that have nothing to do with their own desire to quit. Most smokers understand the health risks associated with smoking and they understand why they have to quit. But having to and wanting to are two different things. The first and most important thing you can do is get your head in the right space to quit. You have to want to do it and you have to want it for it your own health. Having a strong enough reason to quit will make it a lot easier to avoid smoking when cravings hit.

Get Support

Smoking is an addiction. Enlist support from people who have been there and successfully quit. Join a smoking cessation support group. Quit with a friend, but be careful not to encourage each other to relapse. Talk to a professional therapist or psychologist. Consult your physician to determine your best options for quitting.

Quit Completely

It might be tempting to wean yourself off nicotine by smoking low or no-nicotine cigarettes. You might have considered purchasing a device that punches holes in the filter, reducing the amount of smoke you can draw. The problem is, you're still smoking. Nicotine is the addictive element in cigarettes, but it's not the only dangerous element. According to the American Lung Association, cigarettes have more than 4,000 chemicals and additives, 69 of which are known carcinogens. If you smoke cigarettes with lower nicotine or a lighter draw, you might end up smoking more cigarettes to make up for the shortfall of nicotine. If you are serious about quitting, quit completely and use nicotine replacement therapy to deal with the cravings.

Recognize Your Triggers

Maybe you only smokes at parties. Maybe you always smoke at a certain friend's house or after a big meal. Maybe stress is your trigger. Whatever the case, recognize when and why you smoke so you can anticipate and deal with the urge before it happens. You might need to change certain behaviors while you are quitting to avoid a relapse.

Deal With The Cravings

Use nicotine replacements such as nicotine gum or patches to deal with cravings. Medications such as Chantix and Welbutrin are both effective for curbing cravings and dealing with the psychological aspects of smoking.