Quit Smoking Now

Most people these days are aware of the health hazards involved in smoking cigarettes, and it would be safe to say that most smokers would really like to stop smoking now, however it is not such an easy thing to do. Fortunately there is plenty of help available for smokers who are planning on quitting and are determined to do so. Community centers, medical clinics and government departments are just some of the places that offer support to people who are giving up cigarettes. You can also get help from your doctor, an acupuncturist or an hypnotherapist. If you intend do it on your own, then there are a number of over the counter preparations to be found at drug stores, health food shops and super markets.

The most common OTC quit smoking aid is the nicotine patch, which gradually releases nicotine into the body from a patch that is stuck on the smokers arm. Most people find these patches to be extremely helpful as they satisfy the body’s physical needs for the drug, however the urge to smoke still remains, because the habit is deeply embedded into a smoker’s subconscious. so, the nicotine patch, while being very helpful is by no means a sure fire method of ridding you of the habit of smoking.

When you have made the decision to quit smoking the first thing you should do is to not buy your favorite brand, make your last pack of cigarettes a cheap brand that you don’t like. This will help to reinforce your decision to quit, because you won’t like the taste of these cigarettes and this is another reason to quit smoking now.

You should keep yourself as busy as you can to keep your mind off the need for a cigarette and avoid being alone for long periods of time. While enduring the withdrawal symptoms that are unavoidable when you first stop smoking, it is also a good idea to gather support from your friends and relatives, particularly the ones that don’t smoke. If there are times when you have nothing to do you should go out to watch a game, or enjoy some form of entertainment that will keep your mind busy, and if that is not possible try exercising, running, jogging or bike riding.

If you are determined to quit smoking now, don’t be afraid to ask for help or use any available means to quit the habit. Nicotine patches will subdue your bodily cravings, chewing flavored lozenges will give you something to put in your mouth, but it is your own will power and self determination that will control your subconscious urge to light up a cigarette.

When the urge to have a cigarette strikes, you should focus on the dangers of smoking and reassure your self that it will only take a couple of weeks before you are free of the habit. Count down the days and look forward to the day when you will wake up smoke free, breathing easy and getting healthier by the minute. Get these new messages planted in your mind and you will find that the days will quickly pass and the urge to smoke will decrease day by day.