There are many ways to quit smoking and they all vary in effectiveness from person to person.  Some people prefer to cut down gradually before quitting completely, while others insist that “cold turkey” is the only way to go.  Still others feel the need to take nicotine replacement products like gum, lozenges, and inhalers; and some prefer prescription medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

There are also plenty of alternative methods that can help in quitting smoking, like acupuncture (insertion of fine needles into pressure points on the body), aromatherapy to induce feelings of calmness and peace, 12-step programs like nicotine Anonymous (similar to the well-known Alcoholics Anonymous), and hypnotic suggestion to override the desire to smoke.

With so many choices, how do you know which method will work for you?  That depends on a few factors.  Consider first which aspect of quitting smoking is most difficult for you; the physical withdrawal symptoms, emotional dependence, or psychological habit.

- Physical withdrawal symptoms

If you have no trouble abstaining from the act of smoking but find yourself caving under the pressure of physical cravings for nicotine, you may be more successful with the use of nicotine replacement products.  nicotine gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers can be helpful in getting you through the first several weeks of cravings, and most of them offer a plan for gradually reducing your nicotine intake to minimize discomfort. Read the rest of this entry