Your Smoking Cessation Program

There are many smoking cessation programs you can find both online and through your doctor that will really help you quit smoking now. Some of them are designed to gradually wean you off, and some prepare you to quit cold turkey. A few of them use prescription drugs or “stop smoking aids” such as nicotine gum and electronic cigarettes. These may certainly help you in your quest, but it is much more important to mentally brace yourself before you decide to stop smoking cigarettes so that you have a much smaller chance of a relapse.

You should be aware that quitting cold turkey is one of the hardest ways to quit smoking; because you will be fighting not only your minds cravings, but nicotine cravings as well.  It is really a good idea to make sure you’ve been cutting down for a few days before you decide to never do it again. While you’re drastically cutting down, you should also be mentally preparing yourself to be smoke free. Here are some tips that will help you get in the right mindset to ditch your addiction for good.

1. Get a small index card and write down a few of the most important reasons for quitting. (Hint: Less Snoring and better sleep!) And keep it on your person for quick reference.
2. Consider whether or not you are going to use medications or aids. You may want to speak to your doctor about prescription drugs since there are some that have helped others before. (Make sure to read some of the clinical studies yourself, many are inspiring.)
3. Try to convince a friend to quit with you; it is really good to go through this with someone else for support. (Arguments against smoking are plentiful; it should be an easy sell!)
4. Give away or throw out all of your lighters, ashtrays and smoking paraphernalia, as they are reminders of smoking.
5. If you live with others that smoke, talk to them about keeping their smoking outside, being around smoke makes it much harder to quit smoking.
6. For the same reason outlined above, make sure nobody is smoking in your car.
7. Be aware of the things that trigger your smoking. Many people smoke with coffee and alcohol, or after meals. If you need to, try and avoid these things for the first few weeks.
8. Tell everyone you can find that you’re quitting cigarettes for good. This is very important, as it will increase your own will power. It’s also great to have the support of family and friends.
9. Get a water bottle. Water works very well as a nicotine replacement. It’s also good for your health. You’re going to keep it near you and drink some every time you feel like having a cigarette.