by Rob Hadley

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Nobody smokes because they think it's good for them. Starting to smoke is not a decision made at a rational level. It's a decision made at an emotional level. However, maintaining a habit is more often than not a subconscious process.

For this very reason quitting smoking is a process which is most easily achieved by using hypnosis a method that accesses the subconscious directly. Like many hypnotists I've been helping people quit smoking for years. Personally I smoked 30 a day until I quit, so I know exactly what it's about. I also know a few other things.

Several years ago my mother died of cancer. It took about 27 years for her to finally succumb, but succumb she did. I have good cause to do what I can to help people end their smoking habit. Over the the years I have developed a thorough understanding of what works in breaking addictions. I work with many addictions other than nicotine, however the purpose of this article is to focus on cigarettes. In doing so, here are some of the lessons I have learned, and that I hope will help others.

Firstly, it's pointless replacing cigarette smoking with a gum, patch or other source of nicotine. An addiction is an addiction, regardless of the source. If you are going to deal with the addiction you have to take it with courage and deal with it head on. While some addictions are best handled with a weaning process, cigarettes are not in this category.

Secondly, ending the smoking habit is more likely to be successful when you put everything possible in place to succeed. This means a high protein diet, a full breakfast and an exercise regime that is simple, with achievable goals, that can be maintained for at least two weeks after smoking ceases. If it happens to be maintained longer, even better.

Visualizing yourself living tobacco free, seeing yourself without that first cigarette of the day, and seeing yourself enjoying a quiet drink on your deck, free of any tobacco products, is a positive and affirming process. Establishing an expectation of success, and establishing control over all possible conditions that can help achieve your goal bring you closer.

Finally, hypnosis to assure a motivated approach to end smoking, and remove the original triggers of the smoking habit. This is key, as stopping yourself restarting' smoking is the final challenge, and the one most people struggle most with.

I am fortunate enough to work with many clients ending their smoking habits. I organize group seminars in New York and San Francisco on a regular. Using hypnosis is a powerful and effective way to end smoking habits. The single thing most likely to aid a successful outcome is a solid plan and preparation as you move towards a happier and healthier lifestyle.

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