Stop Smoking - Lifestyle Changes To Protect Yourself: Heart Disease

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Stop smoking

Smokers who want to quit the habit can choose from a variety of tools that double or triple their chances of succeeding. The best approach uses medication to quell cravings for nicotine along with some sort of support or counseling to break the patterns that make a smoker reach for a cigarette. In the meantime, a few tips may help:

Know the enemy. List all the hazards of smoking. Then write down why you want to quit.

Make a date. Pick a date to quit and prepare yourself by figuring out how you will deal with cravings. The day before, throw away all cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters — anything that may tempt you.

Talk with your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body processes some medications, so talk with your doctor about how to manage doses. Ask about nicotine replacement (available as patches, gum, and inhalers) and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) to ease cravings.

Avoid temptation. Avoid smoke-filled bars and social situations that may tempt you until you feel stronger in your resolve.

Find alternatives. Start exercising or find ways to relax.

Keep trying. If you don't succeed on your first try, try again. It usually takes several attempts to quit smoking completely.

Last updated:	May 03, 2007