Ten Ways People Have Quit Smoking for Good

Every New Year's Eve, people break out their resolution lists and bravely declare that they’ve had their last cigarette. Every February 1st, most of them have moved on to easier-to-accomplish resolutions like cleaning up the garage. You don’t need a new year to get you on the right track. Spend one minute now to read over our top ten list of ways to quit the habit. Start your smoke-free life now.

1. “Cold turkey” - This is the oldest, simplest yet toughest way to quit smoking: you just throw away the pack and never smoke again. This is for the independent, strong-willed people among us.

2. Transdermal patches – Step one: apply a new patch each day to an inconspicuous spot on your body. Step two: the patch reduces your nicotine cravings by releasing a slow, steady source of nicotine that is absorbed through the skin. This method is well-tolerated and moderately successful but it can get expensive -- around $100 per month. The patch’s nicotine strength is reduced every couple of weeks until you no longer want a smoke. Some of the most popular, non-prescription patches are Nicotrol®, Habitrol® and Nicoderm®.

3. Nicotine chewing gum - Nicorette® and other nicotine gums are effective in reducing cravings, but chewing gum every time you get the urge to smoke may not be practical. Side effect: they may upset your stomach. One idea might be to try using them in combination with the nicotine patch.

4. Nicotine nasal spray - These products are as effective as nicotine chewing gums in reducing cravings and promoting abstinence. You just take a spray whenever you get the urge to smoke. If you have nasal or sinus problems, this may not be for you.

5. Cognitive behavioral therapy - This treatment uses a variety of techniques to alter the behaviors associated with smoking. For example, there is “delaying” (waiting longer and longer before each cigarette,) “fading” (gradually lowering the amount of nicotine you use by choosing “light” brands or cutting off more and more of each cigarette) and “substitution” (trading toothpicks or carrot sticks for cigarettes).

6. Aversive conditioning - This extremely effective therapy uses punishment as its basis, with tricks like rapid chain smoking (makes you really disgusted with smoking) and contingency contracting (where you agree to send a large donation to a politician you dislike if you haven’t quit by a certain date).

7. Positive reinforcement - This is less effective than aversive conditioning, but far more pleasurable. The positive reinforcement model has you focus on all the good things that will happen when you break the nicotine habit. You might even set up special rewards for yourself as you meet each of your goals for reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked.

8. Relaxation techniques - One of the main reasons people fail to quit smoking is the agitation they feel when they stop. The physical cause of this anxiety can be handled with the nicotine patch or nicotine chewing gum, but the psychological dependency needs more. Try learning one of the many relaxation or meditation techniques easily available online.

9. Acupuncture - Once seen as a “fringe” therapy, acupuncture has become an accepted treatment for a variety of ailments like pain relief, anesthesia and, fortunately, quitting smoking. Proponents say it removes your craving for nicotine. It mat not work for everyone but wouldn’t it be great if it worked for you?

10. Hypnosis - For many years people have been going to hypnotists for cures to annoying and unhealthy habits. It is inexpensive, quick and, for some people, effective. Like acupuncture, it might be worth a try.

Did you know that non-smokers often qualify for lower life insurance rates? Let NetQuote help you connect with quality, local agents who can provide competitive quotes and, potentially, a better rate.

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