Treatment Plan

Successful smoking cessation starts with the decision to quit. Once that decision has been made, a plan needs to be developed, and then put into action. There is no "best way" to quit. Some smoking cessation plans involve a combination of nicotine replacement therapy and some form of behavioral support. Others do it "cold turkey" and do not include nicotine replacement. It is always good to have someone to lend emotional support, whether it be a friend, relative or former smoker.

Many people use a combination of methods to quit:

• Self-help manuals
• Classes
• Counseling
• Phone-based support programs
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Certain prescription medications
• Lifestyle changes

Plot out a strategy that covers the following steps:

Self-reflection

1. Decide if you are ready to quit.
2. Why do you want to quit?

Setting a quit date

Getting informed

1. Collect information about smoking cessation, from brochures or the Internet.
2. Learn about ways to deal with nicotine withdrawal and cravings.
3. Learn about the consequences of smoking and the benefits of quitting.
4. Decide whether or not you wish to include nicotine replacement or other medication to aid in quitting. If you decide on nicotine replacement therapy, learn about nicotine gum, the patch and spray.

Finding support

1. Gather as much support as you need for information and encouragement.
2. See your doctor, who will also be a source of support as well as information about how to quit.
3. Immediate help with these strategies is available at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or www.smokefree.gov.

More on Smoking

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.