How to Quit

Just to clarify one thing: I did NOT intend to write about smoking 2 days in a row.. I'm not obsessed!

It just happened that today we took a class about smoking cessation, and It was quite interesting.. which is why I decided to share it!

Before you try to start the quitting plan, you have to be totally convinced that you want to change this habit, and be clear about WHY you're trying to quit (it can be helpful to write those reasons on the front page of your "smoking diary"). Also, if you've attempted to quit before that, try recalling the reason(s) for your relapse and write them down too.

Now, the PLAN:
a. set a date after which you are not allowed to smoke anymore (e.g. in 2 months time). write this date in a contract (this is where you can have a little fun! ;) ) and sign it and get your "sponsor" to sign it (this person can be your physician, your best friend, spouse or anyone else.)

b. here is what to do till that date:
1. get a "smoking diary" in which you write your "smoking rituals". (when, why, where and with whom did you smoke). The most important cigarette to account for is the first cigarette of the day. If it were first thing in the morning before getting out of bed ("eye-opener"), it's especially important to mention it, coz it's a very strong indicator of how addicted you are.
2. Get rid of the "cues" --> hide the ashtrays, avoid sitting with smokers, …
3. announce that you're quitting to all your friends and family
4. smoke a "lighter" cigarette, and gradually decrease the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. Also, try to delay your first cigarette as much as possible.
5. remember that you addiction to cigarettes is both physical and habitual. Use nicotine patches / gum to help you get over the physical part. As for the habitual, do something different at the time of your usual cigarettes (for example, if u must smoke after lunch, take a walk instead).

Last thing, you should always remember that it's common to relapse even after all this. It doesn't mean you're a failure, it just means you have to think about it.. figure out why it happened.. and do it all over again!

P.S. most people relapse within one year of "quitting"

Good Luck! :)