5 Effective Methods for Quitting SmokingAddiction Recovery

Quitting cigarettes is difficult, but not impossible. Getting ready mentally and physically is crucial. Outside pressures from family and friends do not always work in your favor; even so, their support is invaluable. The decision and willpower to quit must come from you. The road might seem long and hard, but this endeavor is well worth the effort.

Cold Turkey Make up your mind and set a quit date. A quit date will give you focus and motivation to start. Try to stay within two weeks of the decision to quit, any longer, and you will talk yourself out of it. Within these two weeks, prepare yourself. Start smoking less; mark the date on your calendar. Get a support system together. Get rid of any reminders of smoking like ashtrays, any cartons you may have invested in, etc.

Change your Habits If you drink always coffee before having a smoke, change that before you quit. Drink water and juice, and do not lighten up until you are totally clean. Prepare to be busy while quitting, so your focus is on anything but cigarettes. For the physical withdrawals, the recommendation is to drink lots of water, and be active. Go for walks, or join a gym it will help fight withdrawals. When quit day comes don’t hesitate take the challenge and quit! The longer you stick with it the easier it will become, and before you know it you will be free of smoking.

The Gradual Approach: Many people like this approach. It means quitting steadily, cutting one cigarette at a time. This is very effective physically for sure. By allowing withdrawals of nicotine to slow down, you will be able to stay steady in your mission. Whatever the amount you smoke, reduce it change your habit. If you smoke five cigarettes, days go down to three a day reducing the amount until you get to none. Stick to it, make up your mind, and cut down. Don’t keep any extra cigarettes in the house. Partner with a person you trust to support you and encourage your efforts. Stay strong and you will make it.

Alternative to Nicotine It's very possible to fight nicotine with outside sources. There are many nicotine patches, gums, and candies sold over the counter that you can use, each of which has had different success with different people. Most of them release small amounts of nicotine into your system while you quit, easing the craving of nicotine and slowing down the withdrawal symptoms. These nicotine alternatives also work well in helping you not to gain weight as you quit smoking. The success rate of nicotine alternatives is high, so definitely consider this option.

Prescription Medication Prescription medication is effective in the process of quitting cigarettes. Several different drugs on the market do not contain nicotine, and help reduce withdrawal symptoms. This is a safe method prescribed and monitored by your physician.

The Herbal Way Herbal products like lobelia, peppermint, ginger, and passionflower work well in helping you quit cigarettes. These herbs have the same effect as nicotine, without the damage or the addiction. The best thing about this option is that it's kind of the best of the other worlds. It is a natural way to replace nicotine in your body, and it helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Ginger root and peppermint are great for reducing anxiety and alleviating side effects caused by nicotine. Don't forge that herbs offer a natural way to calm and reduce headaches and colds, both of which are associated with nicotine withdrawals.

Experiment here and there, but be sure to choose the best method suited for you. However, never forget that the most important decision you will make is to set up a quit date and stick to it! Even if you have a little relapse, go right back to sticking with your plan, and you’ll be sure to succeed