The best way to quit smoking is to have a stop smoking plan. It becomes a roadmap, a guide to give up smoking. However, the success of the plan depends on your determination. The best laid plans go wrong because the smoker cannot give up the urge for one last cigarette after quitting.
The first step in the stop smoking plan is to decide the stop date. The stop date can be any date. It can be a week from now, a month from now or even three months from now. However, for your resolution to work it should be as early as possible.
A common method adopted by most people is to smoke to their hearts content till the D-date and then call it quits. You need a very strong willpower to pull this off. A better way is to gradually reduce your nicotine intake, so that your cigarette consumption is down to the minimum by the time you reach the D-date.
The next stage is the most difficult as it deals with withdrawal symptoms like mood changes, depression, irritability, emotional distress etc. A nicotine replacement therapy is the best option to fight withdrawal symptoms. Under this therapy, you can trade your cigarette for a nicotine patch or gum. This ensures a minimum amount of nicotine in your body even though you are not smoking. The treatment usually spans a period of six months or more.
There is always a danger of going back to cigarettes. To avoid this, a person can attend counseling sessions or become an active member of support programs. You can also seek the support of friends and family members to avoid a rebound. A good way to suppress the urge is to take up a new hobby that keeps you busy.
The last is called maintenance or staying on the non-smoker line permanently. This can be brought about by avoiding places and people where smoking is common. It is important to constantly remind yourself the reasons for quitting.
If a relapse occurs do not be discouraged. You can try again.
