Online Counseling
If you feel comfortable using online chat rooms, online counseling and support groups may work well for you. Go to Nicotine Anonymous and search for Online Groups. You will see a list of current meeting times when you can log on and chat about how your quitting program is going, and what is working for other people. Pros are that you can attend “meetings” without leaving home, and the meetings are anonymous. Cons are that you must fit the meetings into your schedule and to maintain relationships with the people in your group, everyone must continue to log on regularly. These groups concentrate more on encouragement and support than on education about the health hazards of smoking.
- Cost: $0
Support Groups And Classes
Many organizations sponsor or will pay for support groups and classes to quit smoking. Your employer may be one of them, and your health insurance company is certainly another. Classes are also sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, your local hospital, and the U.S. Department of Health. Search online or ask your doctor for tips on how to locate a class. The pros are that these classes are generally free of charge, and you will learn from a trained professional about how smoking affects your health and how best to quit. You will also get support from your classmates or fellow group members. The cons are that you will have to find time in your schedule to attend regular classes, and once there, you will have to quit smoking on the class schedule, rather than at your own pace. This works fine for some people, but for others, it can be frustrating. Transportation to and from class can be an issue as well.
- Cost: $0 (plus transportation)
12-Step Programs
Sponsored by groups like Smokers’ Anonymous or Nicotine Anonymous, these are support groups where you can share your experiences, both good and bad, with others who are either trying to quit or have quit successfully. You can find these groups in the phone book or go to Nicotine Anonymous and use their nationwide Search feature. You can also inquire at your local hospital or health clinic. The groups follow a 12-Step Program of recovery from addiction, and you will generally be paired with a buddy to call between meetings. The pros are that you will receive plenty of support at these meetings, and if your group meets often, you can use the meetings as goals to strive for when your cravings are particularly bad. The cons are that scheduling and transportation can be difficult, and it’s sometimes hard to find groups in your area. Also, these groups aren’t so concerned with educating you about the harmful effects of smoking.
- Cost: $0 (plus transportation)
Counseling And Therapy
Meeting one-on-one with a trained therapist helps many people quit smoking. The pros are the individual attention you will receive, and the opportunity for in-depth discussion of how your smoking impacts other aspects of your life. A good therapist can offer helpful advice specific to your needs, and can help you work through the emotional difficulties you may face during the process. The cons are that therapy can be expensive, unless covered by your insurance. Scheduling and transportation may also be a problem, and it’s sometimes hard to find a therapist who you “connect” with on a personal level.
- Cost: $80 to $200 per hour (or health insurance co-pay)