When you are considering a program to quit smoking, it is important to understand some of the methods in which it touches base on, helping you understand the problems that you will face when you give up smoking and how to cope with them.

Not only is your own will and determination important, but the caring and support of those around you when things get rough. Some of the best stop-smoking programs include counseling, both individually or in groups, and therapy.

The therapy is different from counseling as it is in reference to the individual and how they are responding to quitting smoking. It is decided on the basis of an individual's health, for which a smoker is required to undergo a full medical check up.

Most of these stop-smoking programs are normally spread over a period of 2 weeks. During this period, trained counselors conduct anywhere from four to seven sessions, the duration of which ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The duration of the total program or the sessions can be modified based on the needs of the participating group and the individual involved. The programs are invariably led by people who have had considerable experience in assisting people give up smoking.

One excellent group that runs such programs is Nicotine Anonymous, which works on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous. Like AA, smokers can attend all meetings free of cost and have a continuous support group on a weekly basis. The American Lung Association, Health Department, and American Cancer Society also sponsor such free programs and support groups for smokers who are trying to quit smoking.

There are so many programs to choose from in regard to quitting smoking, it is best to research how legitimate they are before joining. It is never easy to quit anything, but smoking seems to be one of the worst. Looking around at all the programs, realize what you will be up against - being honest with yourself - while also looking at the options should be carefully done before beginning.

It is pretty hard to be objective about an addictive drug that is present in the body about three or four days after quitting the nicotine, but to be truthful and honest about what is going to happen and what it will take to successfully quit is what it takes.

However, before joining any such program, you need to do some research. You must avoid programs that are not ethical, or programs that use injections or pills as the only method of treatment. The programs that refuse to disclose details of the chemicals used in injections must surely be shunned. So should be those programs that charge high fees or promise instant results.

And most of all, you must remember that it takes time and patience to give up smoking. Most smokers have been at it for quite awhile, and won't be able to quit overnight. But once you do, food will taste better and your sense of smell will be back to normal. Shortness of breath will be gone, and you will return to better health. Join a program that is well planned and willing to help you on a long-term basis for a major future goal.