So How Do We Quit Smoking And What Does It Cost?

There are plenty of quitting methods you can choose from, but while one method may have worked wonders for your spouse, office mate, or neighbor, it may not work for you. You have to be persistent, possibly trying a number of different methods to get you started. If you really want to quit for good, it’s best to use a combination of methods, such as using nicotine replacement therapy and medication in conjunction with support groups and lifestyle changes.

Cold Turkey

With determination, motivation, and will power, some people are able to just stop smoking. The pros, of course, are that you instantly will start reaping the health benefits of being a non-smoker, and quitting won’t be a long, drawn out process. The cons are that you will likely suffer withdrawal symptoms, and many people find that they need some activity to substitute in the place of smoking – namely, eating.

• Cost: $0

Gradual Quitting

Some people have had success by simply cutting back, a little at a time, on the number of cigarettes they allow themselves to smoke each day. Others just smoke less of each cigarette, allowing themselves a steadily decreasing number of puffs. Like quitting cold turkey, this takes lots of motivation and will-power, as well as outside support from friends and family. The pros are that you can avoid severe withdrawal symptoms by gradually reducing your nicotine intake. As you cut down your smoking, you can feel good about your self-control and be inspired to keep going. The cons, however, are that this method can last a long time. People become emotionally attached to those last few cigarettes that they allow themselves each day, and it’s even more difficult to quit. Plus, you’re still carrying cigarettes around with you or storing them at home, so they’re readily available. It’s easy to “cheat” while you’re cutting back.

• Cost: $0 (plus the cost of cigarettes while you quit)

Buddy System

If you have a close friend or family member who wants to quit smoking as much as you do, the buddy system might be helpful. When you’re quitting with a buddy, you have someone to talk to and hopefully rely on during those desperate moments when you’d really like to smoke. The two of you can come up with creative solutions to obstacles that get in your way, or think up non-smoking activities to help you through the tough times. The cons, though, are that one of you may fall off the wagon and possibly encourage the other to start smoking again too. And seeing your friend fail can make quitting seem like a lost cause. The buddy system is a good tool to use in conjunction with other, more powerful quitting strategies.

• Cost: $0

Telephone Counseling

This is one-on-one counseling over the phone, with a trained professional. You can look in the phone book or online for Hotlines to call, or go to Nicotine Anonymous to search anywhere in the United States. Most numbers are toll-free and most are staffed around the clock. The pros are that you can make a phone call any time you need help, advice, or support, and your call is anonymous. You can get the encouragement you need, when you need it, wherever you are. The cons are that telephone counseling is somewhat impersonal, since you may not speak with the same counselor the next time you call, and to be truly effective, you need privacy and plenty of time for your phone call

• Cost: $0