Nicotine is more than an element in cigarettes. According to the American Heart Association, it is an addictive drug that changes your brain, increasing your desire to smoke with every cigarette you have. A variety of medications are available to help decrease your desire and offset withdrawal symptoms. However, these medications all have side effects that might be just as unpleasant as your withdrawal symptoms. It is possible to quit without them, but it often takes a sound plan and strong support group to do so successfully.
Step 1
Make a list. Quitting smoking is difficult and you will need many reasons to stay motivated. Writing these reasons down ahead of time will give you something to look at when the urge to light up strikes. It can help get you through the most difficult of cravings.
Step 2
Set a quit date. Setting a date makes your attempt to quit more real and it also gives you time to prepare. Whether your date is set one week or one month in advance, be sure it is not centered around a stressful event or time in your life. You will need a week or two of as much peace as possible to successfully quit.
Step 3
Prepare for cravings. Cravings are almost inevitable when trying to quit smoking, especially when you are attempting the feat without the use of medication or aids. To prepare for these urges, make a list ahead of time of how to combat them. Whether it's taking a walk, learning meditation or yoga, or chewing gum, knowing beforehand how you will cope with your cravings leaves you better equipped to do so.
Step 4
Join a support group. Talking to others who are experiencing the same feelings as you can be a comfort while you are trying to quit. In addition, those who are further along in the process might be able to help you with some coping techniques.
Step 5
Tell everyone. Tell everyone you know from your mother to the janitor at your job that you are quitting. This will not only given you a larger support group, it's a good way of using humility to keep you on track. It's much easier to tell everyone you have succeeded rather than failed.
Step 6
Keep yourself busy. Staying busy when trying to quit, especially without the use of medication, is an effective way of keeping your mind off cigarettes. Distract yourself with activities you enjoy, whether it be painting or playing basketball.
