I Can't Stop Smoking - What Can I Do?

If you have tried to stop smoking previously and failed you need to ask yourself "why did I fail?". If you can identify the reasons you failed last time you can address these and work out a new plan of action where you will SUCCEED!

You should pick a date to actually stop, a little way off to give you time to prepare but not so far off that you lose interest. Then you should make a plan including the following:

Mark the date on your calendar, in your diary and put a sticker on the 'fridge.
Tell friends and family about your Quit Day.
Get rid of the ashtrays in your home, car, and workplace and maybe use some air freshener or even shampoo your carpets, particularly in the car.
See your doctor for advice on what nicotine replacement therapy might be needed. Are you going to use nicotine patches, lozenges, sprays, chewing gum or even some prescribed medicines? He will help you decide on this depending on how long you have been smoking and how much you smoke.
Set up a support system to get you through the difficult withdrawal period. You might be able to enlist the help of your partner or a friend who can spend time with you and participate with you in activities and interests to keep your mind engaged. You will not have time to think about cigarettes if you are busy. In addition, or alternatively, you may want to join a local support group or National Health Service stop smoking program.
Practice saying, "No thanks, I don't smoke."
Stock up on some oral substitutes or comforters such as sugar free gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, straws or tooth picks.
If your doctor has prescribed a medicine such as bupropion you should remember to start taking it as directed.
All these measures, once in place, will help you once the time to quit comes along

On that day do not dwell on the situation but instead take on a purposeful manner and think about the day ahead Try a new routine, perhaps a different breakfast followed by a different route to work. This will put you in the right frame of mind to change your habits. Through that first day you might want to follow these suggestions :
Do not smoke at all- not even one puff!
Keep busy and active. Try to take some exercise during the day even if it's just a short walk. Minimise your coffee breaks if you are at work, and don't hang out with colleagues who smoke.
Drink lots of water and juices through the day.
Do what is necessary as regards your nicotine replacement therapy.
Avoid places and situations where the urge to smoke can be strong.
Try to avoid alcohol.
Think about your favourite food for lunch and maybe even treat yourself to a nice lunch.
Try to avoid the rationalisations which creep in when you feel you may be weakening. You know the sort of thing - I'll just have one to get me through this rough patch, or, today is not such a good day, I'll start tomorrow.
When you get to the evening and you haven't smoked you can congratulate yourself on your achievement. You can now relax with some music, or a good book or TV film to occupy your mind and then go to bed knowing that you can stop smoking and that tomorrow should be even easier, no longer will you be saying "I can't stop smoking".

Robert Schwartz is an author and is passionate about helping others
quit smoking forever. He spends his time assisting people to give up
smoking. To learn more about how to can't stop smoking visit http://www.giveupsmokinghelp.com.