Every expert will say the same thing – no one will be able to successfully quit smoking unless they have made a reasoned serious decision to stop. It cannot be done to please a family member, or a boss, or because everyone says you should. Quitting a smoking habit means overcoming an addiction to nicotine and determination is the only possible way to deal with the sometimes intense cravings that follow.

It does not matter how much support one has from family or friends and what brand of patch, gum, or group therapy is used, the effort simply will not work unless the person is determined, educated, and prepared. This includes knowing what to expect in the way of cravings and temptations and having a plan for handling stumbling blocks.

Getting Prepared

It probably will be an unsuccessful attempt to quit smoking of a person wakes up one day and decides on the spur of the moment: “This is the day I quit smoking.” With that type of planning, the potential quitter probably will not last the day. For instance, if there is a big deadline at work looming in a week or even a month, if an out-of town trip has been planned, or if you have just started a new diet, then it is not a good time to quit smoking.

Experts say someone who plans on quitting smoking should plan. Choose the day ahead of time. Pick a day when the stress level is low and when a change in the daily routine will not be too much of an added burden.

Know Your Habits

Quitters also should know when and what makes they want to smoke, experts say. Document this by keeping a “smoker’s diary.” Keep a small pen or pencil with cigarettes and record each time you smoke a cigarette. Before lighting up, ask “why?” Having this record will mean being able to be prepared when the same urges hit after the smoking cessation program has begun.

Once the effort has begun, there also are several simple rules that will help deter cravings. For instance, keep busy, do not give yourself a lot of idle time to think about smoking. Drink less alcohol, at least in the beginning. Go places smoking is not allowed and ask friends not to smoke around you.

One Day at a Time

Take each day one at a time. It is a mammoth task to quit smoking for a lifetime, less of one to not smoke “just for today.” When times get tough, remember why the smoking cessation plan was started. If there is a relapse, concentrate on accomplishments. Do not nag yourself about the relapse; congratulate yourself on all the cigarettes avoided.

feedback@stopthesmoke.com