Quitting Smoking

Introduction
Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things that you can do. If you've been smoking for awhile then you know that you are addicted. And to break an addiction, you must work very hard. So, the decision to quit smoking is a significant one and now the work begins.
Over the next few weeks, as you move away from cigarettes and other tobacco products, you are going to be unlearning some bad habits that have been plaguing you for years. And that's why you need help. But your decision to quit cigarettes or quit tobacco is the most important decision that you can make at this time in your life. Smoking cigarettes affects so many other parts of your life - your finances, you health, your friendships and relationships and even your job.
So despite what is in front of you, don't be deterred. It can be done. Thousands of smokers stop smoking cigarettes daily. You can be one of them. With effective quit smoking tips, the right support structure and stop smoking aids, you will be able to conquer this thing.
You've Probably Tried to Quit Smoking Many Times Before
That doesn't matter. Anyone who has ever quit before you has tried multiple times to stop before they have gotten it right. The important thing is that you have made the decision to stop smoking. If you have tried before and failed, take some time to review those occasions and assess what went wrong. Odds are you will slip up. But slipping up is an important juncture in quitting smoking because it leaves you with a critical decision - are you going to give up and stay off the wagon or are you going to climb back on that wagon and keep working hard until you quit for good. If you slip up it just means that you are human. Don't let that derail you. Just ignore it and continue your smoking cessation program.

Set a Date to Quit Smoking
Some people just make the decision to quit. No planning, no foresight, they just try to quit. Some folk that do this succeed. But those people are the exception. While it is not impossible to just quit without any type of advanced preparation, odds are you will be more successful if you put some planning and thought into your decision. Set a date in the future when you want to quit. Then, as that day nears, make all the necessary preparations - purchase your self- help materials and stop smoking aids, visit support web sites and collect information. Then when your quit day comes you will be more than ready to get started.
Quit Smoking Because You Want to Quit
You have to want to do it. You can listen to others and take their advice, but in your heart, you have to really want to quit smoking. If you make the decision to quit and you are not the one driving that decision than your chances of failing increase significantly. So, be sure that it is your decision because you will be more committed to it.
Eliminate Habits that Lead to Smoking
Maybe you have a cigarette with a beer or a cigarette after eating. What about that cigarette over a cup of coffee? There are many situations in your life that have become "tobacco assisted". These are things that you do that either lead to you lighting up or you light up while doing them. Try to avoid those situations and try to eliminate any habitual behavior that leads to smoking.
Find a Good Support Structure
Many folk keep it quiet that they have decided to quit smoking cigarettes. That's really not a good plan. Set a goal to quit smoking, marshal your support, and then tell those people important to you that you have decided to quit. For the most part, they will not only support you but help you in your endeavor. Your family and friends are going to want you to be successful. There may be a naysayer or two in the group. Don't let that get to you. Charge hard toward your non-smoking goal.
Use Quit Smoking Tips and Quit Smoking Aids to Assist You
Things are changing rapidly. Unlike just a few short years ago, there are thousands of aids that will help you quit. Some are free, some come at a cost. They all have differing results. But they are out there and if they will help you quit smoking, they are worth the investment. Sometimes the investment is just a moment or two of your time. Other times there is a financial investment. But don't let paying for a self help product shy you away from help. Just do the current math. If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day you are smoking away 5 bucks a day. That's a little over $1,800 annually. So, a couple hundred dollar investment on an effective quit smoking aid is not going to hurt. If you successfully quit, you are still going to be way ahead, financially.
Save the Money that You Save!
Get a jar - a big one, and start tossing the money in it that you use to buy cigarettes. Do it daily. Make sure it is a jar so that you can see the money grow. Then go open up a special savings account for this money. At the end of every week, take the money to the bank and deposit it (you wouldn't want to have $2,000 dollars in cash sitting around in a jar!). At the end of the year, treat yourself to something nice with some of the money and keep saving the rest.
Craving is Normal
You are going to crave cigarettes. Often, you crave cigarettes for years to come. The first 48 hours though, are the toughest. When you get through the first 48 hours the battle is almost won. If you are using a smoke cessation aid, like gum, patches or lozenges, stick to the plan that they suggest. Physical craving comes and go, but psychological craving can go on, as I mentioned earlier, for years. But it is not an overwhelming craving. Just know that once you complete your smoking cessation program, you can never smoke again or use any type of nicotine products. If you do, you may pick up the habit again. So, don't cave in to the cravings. Condition yourself to expect them, deal with them, and then move on.

If you Slip, Don't Beat Yourself Up
If you slip up and have a smoke, don't be too hard on yourself. And don't listen to that crazy inner voice that is going to try to convince to start smoking again. It is going to tell you that you are not strong, have no will power and that you will always be a smoker. It will even try to persuade you that you enjoy smoking and smoking isn't so bad after all. Don't listen. Make sure your logic triumphs. Know that you were not born to smoke cigarettes. Know that there was a time in your life where your lungs were clear. Fight to return your body to that state.
Hopefully, some of the information that I have shared here will help you. I've been where you are and I was successful. If I can be a successful quitter and a passionate non-smoking advocate, so can you. I have been tobacco free for nearly 12 years. As you begin to cease your smoking, reach out to others and see how you can help them. One day, 10, 15 years from now, you will be looking back and be able to reach out and help those that are struggling to quit. Good luck in your quest.

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