How to Quit Smoking3

So many people have become smokers and now wish to become ex-smokers. Again and again they have either tried to quit smoking and failed, or successfully quit, only to relapse again. Sound familiar? Here are some helpful tips from a former smoker to get you on the track to quitting -- for good!

Instructions

Step1

Prepare youself for your potential quitting. Pick a Quit Day and mark it on your calender so you can see it.

Step2

Make a list of reasons WHY you WANT to quit. Is it for health reasons? The smell? The loss of control over your life? Jot it all down. Remember, you CAN'T quit successfully unless you're doing it for YOURSELF!

Step3

Talk to your doctor if you don't know which method of quitting will be the best for you. You can either attempt to quit cold turkey (just suddenly stopping), use Chantix (a pill prescribed by a doctor to block nicotine receptors in the brain), try the Patch (an adhesive patch you place on your body that slowly dispenses Nicotine through your system; gradually the grams of nicotene lessen), or try Nicorette Gum (gum with small amounts of nicotene to help fight cravings).

Step4

Once you have chosen a way to quit, read all information (packetts that come with the pill, gum, or patch) thoroughly to ensure proper useage.

Step5

BEFORE your Quit Day, go through your car, home, etc. and THROW OUT any old packs of cigarettes, lighters, matches, and ashtrays -- anything that might trigger an urge later. Clean your car if you smoked in it.

Step6

Your Quit Day -- Begin on the day you chose. It WON'T BE EASY. But if you have willpower you can fight the urge to smoke. Cravings WILL pass within minutes. Distract yourself by getting up and going for a walk, chew gum/candy, do some chores, or exercise. Anything to get your mind away from the desire to light up.

Step7

If you slip up within the first day(s), DON'T BE DISCOURAGED. It probably will happen if this is your first attempt to quit. Run that new pack of cigarettes under water and TOSS THEM OUT. Try again! You can do it!

Step8

Be prepared for symptoms of withdrawal: tingling in hands/feet, cold symptoms (as sinuses and lungs begin to clear out all the icky stuff you've inhaled!), sweating, nausea, headaches, concentration problems, irritability, insomnia, and/or anxiety. Sounds tough, and it is, but these symptoms DO GO AWAY and they by far outweigh the risks of smoking.

Step9

Just remember you can do this! The first few days will be the toughest. Join an online support group if you need to, or talk to friends and family for support and encouragement.

Step10

Again, keep at it. You CAN fight and win this battle. Just remind yourself why you're quitting and the benefits of a healthier you! Your sense of smell with improve, your sense of taste, too. You will breathe better, have more energy due to increased oxygen, and cut the risks for cancer.