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How to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things that many people do in their lives. It is extremely addictive, both physically and mentally, so it’s understandable that it’s a struggle for most people. Here, find some practical tips to successfully quit smoking.

First, Make a Plan

Take a few moments to think about your “why.” Why are you quitting smoking? Is it for health reasons? To eliminate second and third-hand smoke from the lives of your family? To free up some money in your budget? All of the above? Write down why you are quitting and keep that thought in your mind when things get tough.

Make a plan for how you will handle quitting. Will you do so cold-turkey, use quitting aids, or do some form of gradual quitting, where you cut down on your cigarettes over time until you get to zero? Make your plan as detailed as you can, including the date you will start.

It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor, who can help you formulate the best plan for you and your circumstances. Everyone is different, so it’s important to understand yourself and what type of quitting plan is most likely to work well for you.

Know Your Triggers

Triggers are events, feelings, or stressors that cause you to want to smoke. They make quitting challenging because, as they happen, you will want to pick up a cigarette because that’s how you usually cope with that trigger.

Before you begin to follow your quitting plan, identify as many of your smoking triggers as you can and write them down. Develop plans for responding to those triggers in alternate ways that don’t involve smoking. Here are some ideas:

Set up Some Rewards

Humans like rewards, and you can use that to your advantage while you are quitting smoking. As part of your plan, write down some specific rewards that you will give yourself at various stages in the process. These might include things like a massage, a haircut, a weekend getaway, or a special purchase just for you, like a book you’ve been eying or a gym membership.

Seek out Support

Don’t try to “go it alone” when it comes to quitting smoking. Seek out non-judgmental sources who can cheer you on, lend an ear when you’re having a hard moment, and generally support you as you do this difficult thing.

Your support might come in the form of friends and family members, a therapist, support groups, or even online sites or groups on social media. Quitza.com is one such group, and you can search until you find one or more that you are comfortable joining.

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Destress.com is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed professional. If you require any medical-related advice, contact your physician promptly. Information at Destress.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard medical advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information on this website or any external links provided on the website. Destress.com is not a counseling or crisis service. The diagnosis and treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders should be performed by health care professionals. If you are suicidal, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week