Part 1 of 5: Overview
Research has shown that the best way
to quit smoking and stay smoke free is to combine a cessation aid (like the
patch or nicotine gum) with a strong support system. A health-care professional
or support group can coach you through the ups and downs of nicotine withdrawal
and quitting.
Part 2 of 5: Support Groups
Before you start on your path to
being a former smoker, ask your doctor about local community groups that focus
on cigarette smokers (like Nicotine Anonymous). Your health department or
hospital outreach program will have information about a group that fits your
needs. Finding a group of people you can relate to will help you through the
process of quitting. You’ll see that lots of other people have had setbacks or
obstacles, and you can learn from them.
Part 3 of 5: Friends
You will also need accountability
partners. Ask your friends, family members, and coworkers to help you through
the cravings and urges to smoke. They can serve as a strong support system when
the going gets tough. And they will be your biggest cheerleaders when you reach
a new milestone.
Part 4 of 5: Hotlines
Talking with someone over the phone,
someone you don’t know or have a relationship with, may be easier than
confiding in a family member or friend. Reach out to experts at the American
Lung Association’s HelpLine at 1-800-548-8252. They can provide practical tips
for beating a craving or understanding a medicine. The national tobacco quit
line, staffed by medical experts and quit coaches, is also available for your
questions. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Part 5 of 5: The Web
Accountability and support can be
found on the Internet, too. Online stop-smoking programs—such as the Freedom
from Smoking plan offered by the American Lung Association or QuitNet—bring
together people who are trying to quit. On each of these sites, you can find
message boards, question-and-answer sessions with experts, and resources for
getting answers to your stop-smoking questions. They also offer tips for
dealing with the anxiety and frustrations of quitting, plus information on how
to make the most of your new smoke-free life.