If you’re a smoker, and you’ve attempted to quit before you know it isn’t easy.  Luckily there are products on the market now that help curb cravings, and lessen the desire to smoke.  Does that mean they are the best way to stop smoking?  Not necessarily.

Here are a few of our top choices for smoking cessation.  But the absolute best way to stop smoking is the way that helps you stop.  Everyone is different, with different cravings, stress levels, life circumstances, and a different level of nicotine addiction, so what worked for you’re neighbor, friend or even brother may not help you to quit smoking.  Don’t get discouraged, if you want to quit stick with it until you find you’re best way to stop smoking. Remember there is no magic way to be suddenly smoke free!  Take a look at some of these smoking facts and you might just decide to quit on your own.

Acupuncture: A few strategically placed needles, a couple mustard seeds taped to acupressure points in the ear.  Acupuncture helps to calm the nicotine addiction, and stimulate the body to detoxify.  Treatment over several weeks may be necessary.  This remedy may not be covered by your insurance company but it is worth every penny.

Hypnosis: Many people find that hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion eases the withdrawal associated with stopping smoking.  It will also require multiple sessions, which are probably not covered by insurance, but it has a very high effective rate.

Medications: Doctor prescribed medications such as Chantix® aid smoking cessation by shutting down the nicotine receptors in the brain.  It is used in conjunction with behavior modification and counseling support for optimal benefit. Even though that sounds like the way to go, and may very well be covered by your insurance company, it too has its drawbacks.  Like all drugs there is a risk of side effects mild to severe.

Nicotine replacement therapies: Including patches, lozenges, gum and inhaler.  Most are available now, without prescription.  Used responsibly, and according to package or physician instructions, may help to alleviate nicotine cravings, and minimize withdrawal symptoms.  But I have seen too many people using one or more of these products, and continuing to smoke thus increasing the nicotine in their systems.

Absolutely Necessary To Stop Smoking: A desire to stop smoking.  A personal commitment to stop smoking, for your health, for the health of your family.  A good support  system, with family and friends who want to see you kick the habit, and are willing to traverse the dark side of your personality while you are working toward your goal.  Will power, it will be difficult, it will suck big time, but seeing it through will be worth every ounce of will power you put into your smoking cessation program.  And last but not least, something to occupy your hands.  Many people think this is one of the most difficult parts of quitting, they just don’t know what to do with their hands now that they’ve stopped reaching for a cigarette.  Try keeping baby carrot sticks, or celery sticks or a pen or pencil close at hand to fiddle with when you want to pick up a cigarette.

Not so Much --- Cold Turkey: Crumbling up the pack and tossing it in the trash is a radical move, and unless you’ve either just started smoking (thus having little nicotine addiction) or have the will power and self-control of Hercules, it probably won’t work.

Here’s to your new smoke free life.  Congratulations!