There are drugs, there is the patch, there are therapy groups such as Smoke Enders, but just about every expert in the field of smoking cessation will say that there is really only one essential component to a decision to quit smoking – motivation – backed by the will power to stick to of the multifarious methods available.

Today the smoking cessation industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars, comprising a myriad of commercial products, psychological therapies, and self-help organizations. Still, it is possible, for a very few, to quit smoking without spending any money, specifically by not buying any more cigarettes.

Cold Turkey

Quitting smoking without any help – going “cold turkey” – is the time-honored method, and, before the early 1980s, about the only method available. In those days plenty was known about the dangers of cigarettes smoking but the addictive nature of nicotine was less well understood. Those who tried to quit and failed were seen as weak-willed, not trapped by the effects of a drug in their systems.

The advantage of going cold turkey is that nicotine will be flushed out of the system in three days, but it effects linger, including intense discomfort and physical withdrawal. Even though a strong will and the determination to quit still are considered the key to success, there are many products on the market to quit smoking in a more comfortable, gradual way.

Nicotine Therapies

One of the more modern treatment regimes are Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT's), which provide measured doses of nicotine to ease the physical withdrawal symptoms. The most famous of these if the nicotine patch, which provides time-released aid. Users put it on in the morning and wear it all day to reduce nicotine cravings. Other nicotine-based aids, such as the inhaler, nasal spray, lozenges, and gum, work on an as-needed basis.

Other Methods

While the nicotine-based therapies get the most air time in commercials and produce the most revenue for the smoking cessation industry, there are other methods. Some of these rely on boosting the quitter’s will power by the support of others. Hospitals and private organizations specialize in these group therapy sessions where those trying to quit share their experience with the hope that by realizing one is not alone in the struggle the will to succeed with be bolstered

In addition to psychological support groups, other methods based on strengthening the will include hypnosis and behavior modification. These therapies are individual and more intensive, particularly behavior modification which may include aversion methods including forcing someone to smoke many cigarettes rapidly or delivering small electric shocks. These so-called “secret weapon” therapies work for some, but evaluations do not show they are any more effective than self-directed efforts.

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