How do I Kick the Habit?

So now you know how bad smoking really is and what it can do to your body. Not only that, smoking can burn a good size hole in your pocket. Wouldn't you rather spend your money on new clothes and shoes or a trip to the movies? Quitting smoking will help you save your money. At least you won't be spending it on something that is going to kill you!
So now you want to know how to kick the habit. Well for starters you have to make up your mind that that's what you want to do. Don't make the choice for anyone else but you. No one can make that decision for you. Once you make that choice you are well on your way to quitting. It might not be easy but I'll bet you're a bit tougher than those little cancer sticks that you might be addicted to. The TeensHealth website has a lot of suggestions for helping you stop smoking. It would be a good idea to search the Internet for advice. Here are some of there suggestions.

• Put it in writing: Write down your goal and be very specific. You can make a contract with yourself and sign it. This way you are making a commitment that you are more likely to follow through with.
• Get support: Tell the people you care about, if they know you are trying to quit they can help you. You may need someone to talk to or call whenever you get a craving. Having someone to talk you through that can be a big help.
• Set a date: Some people can stop cold-turkey but if that's not for you, set a date of when you want to be totally smoke free. Be realistic and plan a way to taper off your smoking habits so that you smoke less and less until you reach your quit date.
  
• Find your triggers: A lot of people need to smoke when they are stressed, when they want to relax, or maybe during a break at work. So find out what makes you want to smoke or what times of day you usually smoke. Then make a plan to try and avoid situations that will tempt you to smoke. You may have to stay away from friends who smoke or make other sacrifices. But you need to know what causes your cravings and have a plan to counteract them.
  
• There will be set-backs: Nicotine is very addictive so don't be discouraged if you mess up. Just realize that is part of the process, you can move forward from that point with a stronger determination to quit, don't give up on your goal.
• Reward yourself: Say you make a goal to smoke 5 cigarettes a day instead of 10. If you keep that goal, reward yourself. Go out to a movie, buy a new shirt, have a bowl of ice cream. Tell yourself that you are doing a good thing and you deserve a reward for your efforts, this will help you want to keep going until you quit for good!

These are all excellent suggestions for quitting smoking. Do some research and find out what methods will work best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to quitting. You may need professional help as well, look for a smoking quit-line, a hot-line that you can call for support as you try to quit. There are many other options out there to help you quit so start looking and GOOD LUCK!

Other Support Resources
American Lung Association
Smokefree.gov