A stop smoking program helps you understand the problems that you will face when you give up smoking; it also tells you how to cope with them. Another important feature of such a program is that it provides you support and encouragement, without which it is not possible to give up smoking.
The best stop smoking programs include counseling, both individually or in groups, and therapy. The therapy is decided on the basis of an individual’s health, for which a smoker is required to undergo a full medical check up.
The programs are normally spread over a period of 2 weeks. During this period, trained counselors conduct four to seven sessions, the duration of which ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The duration of the program or the sessions can be modified based on the needs to the participating group.
The programs are invariably led by people who have had considerable experience in assisting people give up smoking. One group that runs such programs is Nicotine Anonymous. It works on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous and smokers can attend its meetings free of cost. The American Lung Association, Health Department and American Cancer Society also sponsor such programs.
However, before joining any such program, you need to do some research. You must avoid programs that are not ethical, or programs that use injections or pills as the only method of treatment. The programs that refuse to disclose details of the chemicals used in injections must surely be shunned. So should be those programs that charge high fees or promise instant results.
You must remember that it takes time and patience to give up smoking. So, join a program that is well-planned, and which is willing to help you on a long-term basis.
