Introduction
The first step in breaking a smoking addition is breaking the denial of the seriousness of the problem. Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death in the united states and the second and the second major cause of death in the world. The world health organization reports that half the people that smoke today (about 650 million people) will eventually be killed by tobacco. Clearly, the fact that you are reading this article indicates that there is something within you that wants to quit smoking. That’s great. We hope that the information and resources in this booklet provides some support so that you can enjoy the abundant benefits of a longer, tobacco-free life.

Why is Quitting Smoking Difficult?
Smoking is addictive biologically and psychologically. To quit smoking successfully, you will need to pinpoint both these factors and find new ways of dealing with them. Biologically speaking nicotine, the highly addictive drug found in cigarettes, is at the root of your physical withdrawal symptoms you will experience when you quit. The longer you continue to smoke, the more depandant your body becomes on nicotine. Quitting is challenging but can be done!
From a psychological perspective, there may be many reasons why you’ve turned to cigarettes in the past. You might have become accustomed to smoking as a way of coping with stress, depression or anxiety. Smoking may have become a part of your daily routine – it may be an automatic response for you to light a cigarette with your morning coffee, when you take a break from work or school, or during your commute home at the end of the day. Perhaps friends, family and colleagues smoke and it has become a part of the way you relate with others.
Breaking these habits will be challenging ; being able to identify your triggers and reasons why you have smoked is an important step towards reaching your goal. It’s essential that you explore and understand your motives for smoking so that you can create an effective plan that incorporates alternative coping strategies.

What are the Benefits of Quitting Smoking?
When you quit smoking, you will reap a host of benefits : mentally, physically, financially and socially.

Physical health benefits
smoking cessation decrease the risk of lung cancer, other cancers, heart attack, stroke and chronic lung disease. Cessation reduces respiratory symptoms and complications, such as coughing wheezing and shortness of breath. The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier and probably happier since they want you to quit so you will live longer and be healthier. Foods will taste better since your sense will regain their full strength.

Mental Health Benefits
Smoke –free living enhances your self – esteem. Knowing that you are taking care of your body instead of hurting it will help you feel a lot better about yourself. If you have turned to cigarettes to cope with stress or anxiety, learning new and healthier ways to cope with these issues will enhance and strengthen your mental and emotional health. You will feel more in control of your life – rather than cigarettes controlling you.

Financial benefits
Apart from the economic costs smoking eventually cause higher costs for health, life etc.

Social benefits
You will decrease the health risks caused by second – hand smoke on your family and friends, you will gain a more healthy appearance. You will smell better.
 

Here are some effective ways to quit smoking
While there is no one best way to quit smoking, you will be most successful if you are aware of the challenges ahead, find support , and prepare a plan to keep you on track.

Follow the start to quit smoking:
S = Set a quit date.
T = Tell family, friends and co- workers that you plan to quit.
A = Anticipate and plan for the challenging you will face while quitting.
R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car and work.
T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.
 

Be Realistic
Quitting is not an easy undertaking. It requires effort, determination and commitment.

Accept the fact that you need to quit.
Do not deny the adverse health effects that you are unnecessarily putting yourself (and those around you) through.

Be prepared for Anxious and resistant feelings.
Since nicotine is habit – forming, just thinking about quitting may make you feel anxious this is quite common. Give yourself a specified amount of time to identify and move beyond these feelings.

Take Quitting one day at a time, even one minute at a time .
Develop a quit plan that works best for your needs.
Take to your doctor or health professional to help to develop a plan. Enlist the help of family and friends by telling them about your plans. Ask others who have quit how they handled withdrawal symptoms – both psychological and physical.

Learn new behaviors.
If you have tried quitting before, identify what did and did not work for you. Build on your strengths and discover new techniques. Withdrawal symptoms to expect when you quit smoking and how long they will last. Each one’s body and mind responds differently to smoking cessation..