A Plan to Quit Smoking
- According to the American Lung Association, studies have shown that using smoking cessation aids like nicotine patches, lozenges and gum can be helpful in your plan to quit. See your doctor about prescription medications that can help you quit.
- Have your car detailed to get rid of any residual cigarette smell. Remove all ashtrays from your home.
- As a distraction from smoking, chew sugarless gum or hold a toothpick in your mouth. Chewing nicotine gum is also a substitution for smoking a cigarette.
- Having the support of family and friends can make it easier to quit. The National Cancer Institute has a LiveHelp Service that gives advice and support to smokers.
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation can be helpful in dealing with the stress that makes people smoke. Exercise and drinking lots of water can also help.
- According to the National Cancer Institute, aside from craving cigarettes, smokers will also experience physical and psychological symptoms when withdrawing from nicotine. These symptoms include constipation, dizziness, coughing, irritability and depression.