In the meanwhile, if you’re looking for 3 ways to begin your journey of quitting smoking, below are our suggestions, proven effective to help:
1.Seek medical assistance.
Though many people are able to quit "cold turkey," the best way to devise a treatment plan is in consultation with a medical professional. For some people, this may simply mean a brief information session with a primary care giver. For others, a more long-term treatment plan may be necessary.[2]
Talk to your doctor about devising a smoking cessation plan that's right for you.
Try the START method:
S= Set a quit date.
T= Tell friends and family members that you plan on quitting.
A= Anticipate hard times ahead and plan for them.
R= Remove tobacco products from the house, car, and work.
T= Tell you Doctor so that you can get help.
2. Join a counseling program. Counseling is available through most healthcare providers. Counseling may range from individual (one-on-one) counseling sessions, group counseling sessions, or remote counseling by telephone, depending on the individual's needs and the options available through a given healthcare provider.
Some people find behavioral therapy to be an effective tool in quitting smoking
There are a number of smartphone apps available that can help smokers quit. One such app, called quitSTART, was designed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
You can get help by calling a free phone hotline 1-800-QUIT-NOW. You can also find many resources for quitting at www.smokefree.gov.
3. Try medication. There are many medication options available that can help you quit smoking. These medications range from over-the-counter options to prescription-strength medicine. Prescription medication will help reduce your cravings for tobacco and help unwanted withdrawal symptoms.Over-the-counter options typically involve nicotine replacement products, such as the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, and nicotine lozenges
Prescription-strength nicotine replacements are available as patches, inhalers, and nasal sprays. Other prescription medications that may help you quit smoking include bupropion SR (Zyban) and varenicline tartrate (Chantix - Kayla Lebo