There are many harmful addictive chemicals that people put into their bodies. When they finally wise up and decide that they want to quit, they find out how really hooked they are. Cigarettes are just one of those bad habits people want to quit but have a hard time with.

When you decide to quit smoking, you have to quit completely. Too many people think they can just gradually reduce how many cigarettes they smoke a day until they eventually smoke none. Not many, if any, people will succeed this way. To add seriousness to your attempt, set a date not too far in the near future; and make yourself stick with it.

You have to completely cut yourself off from cigarettes and situations that make you want to smoke. Don't be around people who are smoking, and don't hang out with your friends when they are smoking. It will only sabotage your attempt to quit.

Finding someone you can trust and be honest and open with, who is able to hold you accountable to yourself, will really help you in your quest to quit. Your spouse or best friend may be a good choice for this if you are able to control your emotions towards them when they enforce your no smoking policy.

Don't be disappointed if you are not able to completely quit smoking the first time you try. You need to realize that this is only a failure if you don't try again.

Failure should be viewed as an opportunity to learn about yourself and what situations make you more likely to smoke again. What mind set or situation cause you to pick up a cigarette and smoke it? The answer to that question is something you will have to avoid until you have successfully quit for an extended period of time.

There are many aids on the market you can try to use to help you quit. Many people trying regular chewing gum, gum with nicotine, nicotine patches and prescription medications. While these may help with your cravings, the real work still lies on you. There is no magic stop smoking aid.

Don't expect to quit smoking on your own; everyone needs help and support with the difficult things in their life. Don't expect to quit the first time you try; smoking is a powerful addiction. Use the resources and aids at your disposal, but don't believe that they will do all the work for you. Most import, when you fail, learn from it; and try again.

Learn more about this author, Tirzah Hawkins.
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