There are different ways to help you quit smoking for good. This may include:
- Quitting cold turkey,
- Methodically reducing your cigarette consumption,
- Gradually decreasing your nicotine intake,
- Using NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) or non-nicotine drugs to ease the withdrawal symptoms,
- Getting help from quit smoking support groups, and
- Using other alternative techniques such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and counseling.
There is a great possibility that you will be successful with the first method you choose. However, there is a greater possibility that you have to try several times before you can find the right quit smoking method that works for you.
Quit Smoking Medications 
Smoking cessation treatments can help lessen the withdrawal symptoms of smoking and curb the cravings as part of a complete quit smoking program under the supervision of your physician. Some of the FDA-approved smoking cessation treatments are:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRTs “replace” cigarettes with a much safer source of nicotine, aiming to gradually wear down nicotine dependence over time. Some of the common NRTs are nicotine patches, gums, inhalers, and sprays. NRTs deliver a steady amount of nicotine into your body to reduce the withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking, without the harmful gasses and tar found in burning tobacco. This treatment helps smokers break their psychological addiction, making it easier for them to cope and learn new behaviors.
Non-Nicotine Treatment
These treatments help you quit smoking by reducing the withdrawal symptoms and controlling the cravings without introducing nicotine to your body. Drugs such as Varenicline (Chantix) are used for short-term only and should be under the strict supervision of a physician. There are other smoking cessation products that are available in the market, talk to your doctor about your options.
Alternative Treatments
There are also alternative treatments that you can avail to help you quit smoking for good. You can ask for some referrals from your doctor to help find qualified professionals.
- Hypnosis – This is among the most popular options today that yield good results. This treatment re-enforces your resolve to stop smoking by working on you consciousness where you are open to suggestions.
- Acupuncture – This ancient medical technique is believed to work by stimulating the secretion of endorphin that enables your body to relax. It is very effective in managing the withdrawal symptoms of smoking.
- Behavioral Therapy – This technique focuses on helping a former smoker learn new coping skills and break the habits associated with smoking.
- Motivational Therapy – This alternative treatment uses motivation to boost your resolve to quit smoking. There are self-help books and blogs that offer ways to motivate you to stop smoking. For instance, saving money for a summer vacation might be a good motivation for some people.
Majority of former smokers try to quit several times before they finally kicked the butts for good. Don’t be too hard to yourself if you fall into a relapse. Use the relapse experience to learn your mistake. Try to identify your triggers or the weak spots you encountered, and create a new quit smoking plan that addresses them.
