Although deaths caused from smoking are 100% preventable, 20% of Americans and over 5 million people worldwide will die every year due to the effects of tobacco smoke. The numbers are projected to double in 20 years. With such grim projections, it is no wonder many smokers desperately look for methods to quit smoking that will help them put down the cigarettes once and for all.

Traditional Non-Medication Methods to Quit Smoking

Among the many methods to quit smoking, “cold turkey” is one of the most popular.  Smokers abruptly quit without any nicotine aids and are usually highly motivated to go to this extreme route.  It is advised to give oneself time to prepare first and gather will power, which is perfect for those who are used to relying on themselves.  These two methods to quit smoking – cold turkey and will power- go hand in hand. Most who quit cold turkey, eventually go back to smoking and have to try several more times before they kick the habit for good.

Another one of the many popular methods to quit smoking is tapering off gradually.  Tapering off in a gradual manner requires much planning, as well.  Before beginning, the smoker needs to decide how much they will reduce their cigarette amount to each day until they reach their quitting date, which is entirely up to them.  And like cold turkey, tapering off gradually requires a certain amount of  willpower. It is also one of the lease effective methods to quit smoking.

Medical Methods to Quit Smoking

A nicotine patch is a variation of the gradual methods to quit smoking.  Nicotine patches come in 3 strengths of nicotine dosages and users start by applying the highest level patch to their skin to deliver nicotine straight to the bloodstream and work their way down to the lowest until they can completely wean themselves off.

Nicotine gum works in the same manner as the patch; however, unlike the patch, the nicotine from the gum is delivered via the mouth to the bloodstream.  Most smokers find success with the gum by chewing it every time they feel a nicotine craving.  With time, they taper off their nicotine gum usage until they no longer need it, or the cigarette.

The last of the medical methods to quit smoking is the pill.  Many doctors recommend Wellbutrin and Zyban for smokers.  These pills are anti-depressants, and work to suppress nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as depression, anger, and irritability. They have the same side effects for smokers as they do for depressed patients, which includes lowered libido, nausea, and weight loss.

Unconventional Methods to Quit Smoking

Acupuncture is a method used to quit smoking that accesses 12 channels in the body by inserting thin needles into the skin to “unblock” the body’s acupuncture points.  If properly done, acupuncture can reduce a smoker’s craving for nicotine.

Visualization and meditation uses the Attraction Law to imagine and concentrate on quitting smoking.  For believers, success can be had.

The laser is one of many methods to quit smoking, but has been in use for only 20 to 30 years.  A non-painful laser is applied to various points on the body to calm and relax the user in a similar manner as smoking a cigarette.  However, medical professionals have not yet gathered enough evidence that would suggest the laser method is effective.

No matter which method you use, remember, nicotine is a highly addictive drug, which your brain and body attaches to very quickly. Quitting smoking can be likened to overcoming a severe drug addiction, and is not easy. Once you resolve to quit, don’t give up. It takes most people several tries before they kick the habit for good.