How to Get Help to Quit Smoking

Overview

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things a smoker will do. Nicotine is addictive, and it has a way of pulling smokers back in even when they believe they have successfully quit. Few people can depend on will power and just quit cold turkey. Instead, you need to set up a support system and get help.

Step 1

Tell your friends, family and co-workers what you are trying to do. Quitting is difficult, and the process of giving up your addiction will likely alter your state of mind. By telling those close to you that you are quitting smoking, you will help them understand your moodiness. They can also help you by encouraging you to stick with your plan.

Step 2

Get rid of things that you associate with smoking. For example, many people enjoy having a cup of coffee in the morning with their cigarette. Stop drinking coffee. Take away the association. Instead, start drinking tea. This will help you quit the habit.

Step 3

Start exercising and living a more healthy lifestyle. You may want to start a walking or running program. If you are making the effort to get in better shape it will help you in your goal to quit smoking. You can tell yourself that you are improving yourself physically so why ruin it by putting dirty tobacco smoke in your lungs and nicotine into your bloodstream.

Step 4

Get nicotine patches, nicotine gum or a nicotine inhaler. Try nicotine replacement therapy. Some people have to stop smoking in incremental steps. This is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of intelligence that you are taking a step to get help.

Step 5

Join a smoker's support group. There are many people who want to quit smoking. You can help each other by talking about what you are going through, not only with your attempt to quit smoking but with everything else going on in your life.