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It’s difficult to quit smoking. Even those who were successful in their efforts will likely say it was incredibly difficult. There are a many methods to try and quit smoking. If you aren’t successful with one, try another. It’s imperative for your health (and the health of those around you)that you quit smoking as soon as possible. Always check with your doctor before starting any non-smoking program.

The method most people try is to quit cold turkey. Unfortunately, this method is rarely successful. Quitting cold turkey means that you stop smoking cigarettes completely and never have another one. A few people have the will power to quit cold turkey, but there is more than willpower involved with this process. Your body is physically addicted to nicotine, suddenly stopping will result in fairly serious withdrawal symptoms. Quitting cold turkey may work for some people, but generally most people will start smoking again within a few days.

Other available options are nicotine gum and patches. Using these tools help you to come off your addiction to cigarettes, or other forms of nicotine, more slowly. Again, before using either of these methods you should discuss it with your doctor. Once you get the go-ahead, carefully follow all the directions. Unfortunately, part of the addiction is the habit of smoking itself. Besides the physical addiction, you are mentally and emotionally addicted as well. The hand to mouth motion is habit forming as is the oral gratification.

Finally, you can use medication to help you beat your smoking habit and nicotine addiction. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible and discuss your options. They can prescribe a medication that has few side effects and has a good success rate. Never begin taking someone elses prescription medication, some medications could interfere with other medications you are currently taking.

If you are successful in your quest to stop smoking, know that the process will go on for the rest of your life. The social aspects are still there, even if you’ve beat the addiction. In the beginning stages at least, you may need to change your lifestyle. An example of what this means is to consider how many people like a cigarette with their drinks. Until you gain some confidence it would probably be best to tell your friends you won’t go out drinking for a while.

See your doctor immediately if you smoke. If you successfully quit smoking now you can add years to your life possibly avoid many diseases that are a result of smoking. Quit smoking now and do yourself and you body a favor.