Overview You promised yourself you would quit when you graduated from college, or when you turned 30, or when you had your first child. You promised your family you would quit just as soon as you got settled at your new job, or found the right program, or retired. Every year, millions of Americans make a promise to themselves and to their families to quit cigarettes once and for all. And every year, millions of Americans succeed. You can be one of them. The number of smoking cessation aids and quit smoking programs has grown dramatically in recent years as more and more people try to quit through tailored solutions. Working with your doctor or a medical professional, you can find the right plan that uses one or more of these solutions.

Nicotine replacement therapy Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) deliver the nicotine your body is craving in a much safer form than cigarettes. Over time, you reduce the amount of nicotine you consume until you have hopefully curbed your cravings entirely. These therapies include: patches

gums

inhalers

Smoking cessation medications Prescription drugs such as Chantix or Zyban alter chemicals in your brain in order to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. With some of these medications, you’re able to concurrently use nicotine replacement therapies such as a patch or gum to ease severe withdrawal symptoms. Some even let you continue smoking at the beginning of the program, to coordinate with your chosen quit date.

Alternate therapies Some therapies address the mental and physical habits you have developed around cigarettes. These therapies include: hypnosis

acupuncture

meditation Some people who quit smoking use these therapies alone, while others use them in conjunction with medication or nicotine replacements.