Six Easy Ways to Stop Smoking

While there are no easy ways to stop smoking, there are methods to help you beat your nicotine addiction. Many people like you think they should quit smoking cigarettes but find it too difficult. The reason for this is because there is a physiological basis of nicotine addictions (physical) as well as a psychological basis of nicotine addiction.

Following is a list of the easiest ways to stop smoking. Use one or more of these methods to cure your nicotine addiction.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

This category is made up of products such as nicotine patches, gum, inhalers and nasal sprays. These quit smoking aids deliver a constant dose of nicotine with the aim of helping you gradually kick the habit of smoking. While using these therapies are generally easy, some people actually form addictions to these NRTs so you have to be carefu while using them.

Doctor prescribed Non-nicotine medications

Often referred to a "quit smoking pills", these medications are designed to reduce cravings and withdraw symptoms. Medications such as Chantix and Zyban work to "undo" the part of your brain that has become rewired by nicotine. While this sounds great, quitting is not guaranteed. In a recent study only 44% participants quit while using Chantix as opposed to 30% who quit by using Zyban.

Herbal smoking cessation products

Herbal smoking cessation products offer an all natural alternative to the NRTs and perscription medications. Some herbs create an effect on the brain that is similar to nicotine but are non-addictive, while others help the body to deal with the other symptoms of quitting, such as irritability and the "quitters flu".

Cutting Down Gradually

Some people have successfully quit cigarette smoking by gradually lowering the amount of cigarettes they smoke each day - for example cut down from 10 to 7 cigarettes a day or less. You can also delay having a cigarette after a meal or when ever else you feel like smoking. One very important thing to do is make certain that your final quit date is no more than two weeks after your start.

Make a plan and follow it

While a few lucky smokers can quit smoking cigarettes by going cold turkey, most people require a more involved treatment plan. A solid plan will include a quit date, the help of your family and friends, the understanding of the challenges that you will face on that date and beyond, getting rid of all tobacco related items from your home, car, and work place, and speaking to a doctor about treatment for nicotine addiction.

Alternative methods: There are several other ways to quit smoking that don't involve NRT or prescribed medication. These include hypnosis, acupuncture, behavioral therapy, and nicotine vaccination.

The easiest ways to stop smoking can be a personal choice. You may react differently to these methods than someone else. Do your research and you may find the answer that solves your nicotine addiction.