Millions of people in the United States are smokers. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is just as addictive as heroine and cocaine. It is not easy to quit smoking, and it may require multiple attempts. The first part of this journey is to acknowledge that you need and want to quit smoking. Many resources are available to help you stop smoking.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to discuss your plans to stop smoking. Review your options based on your medical conditions and the medications you currently take. Your doctor may prescribe a medication such as Chantix, which will help you stop smoking, or may suggest using a nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine patch or nicotine gum.
Step 2
Join an Internet support group. Smokefree.gov offers online tools, strategies and expert advice to help you stop smoking. You can even chat online with someone if you feel you may relapse or just need support during the process. Quit Assist also provides 24/7 support and online tips for smoking cessation. It holds forums on which smokers who want to quit can go to support one another.
Step 3
When you feel the urge to smoke, because you feel you have to have something in your mouth, use chewing gum in place of a cigarette. This can be any type of chewing gum you enjoy. Because smokers have a psychological addiction to cigarettes as well as a physical addiction, gum can help ease the urge to puff on a cigarette.
Step 4
Write in a journal whenever you feel you need a cigarette. This is a therapeutic approach to conquering your nicotine addiction. Write why you feel you need a cigarette, what you are doing at the time, and how you feel physically and mentally. Review your journal often to look for patterns regarding smoking triggers, for example, activities such as talking on the telephone or driving.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have a friend who smokes, try to convince her or him to kick the habit with you. When either of you feel tempted to light up, call each other for support.
- A nicotine overdose can be very serious, even fatal, according to Medline Plus. If you suspect a nicotine overdose, then visit your local emergency room, or call 911 immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
- Chewing gum
