*** Do Not Quit Smoking! Click Here ***

Despite all the good health advice available, millions of people worldwide smoke cigarettes. Our hospitals and graveyards are filled with people who have smoked. The problem is; smoking is addictive and difficult to give up once started. It becomes a habit and one that has a cost in terms of both money and health.

The sad thing; is to witness the number of young people taking up the habit. Unfortunately many think they are bullet proof and will never suffer the pain and health problems that usually develop later in life. It is also sad to see the cigarette companies zeroing in on the developing countries, where cigarette smoking is becoming prevalent. Many people in these countries are uneducated and cigarettes are cheap and easy to buy.

Giving up smoking is easier said than done. Some people simply stop and never start again. For others, breaking the nicotine habit is particularly difficult. It takes a lot of will power, a positive attitude, and support from family and friends. The important thing to remember is, you are not alone. Millions of people have already given up smoking, so if they can do it why can't you?

Here are 3 ways many have quit smoking to enjoy long and healthy life.

1. The first thing is to understand that nicotine is addictive, and you must want to kick the habit, if you are ever going to succeed. It is really something you must "want" to do and be psychologically committed to achieving. Sometimes it takes just one thing to bring about this mind shift. I have known women who have instantly given up the minute they discovered they were pregnant. They suddenly realized that smoking is not only bad for them... it will also affect the health of their baby. I have also seen people kick the habit the moment they were diagnosed with a serious health problem. Sometimes it takes a life changing event to trigger the motivation to stop.

To make giving up smoking easier, one approach is to replace a bad habit with something healthier, like eating more fruit, or doing more exercise. Some people read more books to take their mind off things. Others eat more fatty or sweet food, and then blame their weight increase, for them starting smoking again. I do not want to sound harsh, but this is just an excuse. If you can replace the smoking habit with an enjoyable healthy activity, then this can make kicking the habit much easier.

2. Nicotine patches have worked for many. The patches are designed as a chemical substitute for the nicotine the body is used to absorbing. Some people chew nicotine gum which works in a similar way to the nicotine patches. The gum is supposed to satisfy the oral craving that many suffer when quitting smoking.

3. Kicking the habit alone can be difficult. Be honest with family and friends and tell them what you are doing. Ask for their support and encouragement. You do not want someone offering you a free smoke to tempt you into starting again. Ask friends and family not to smoke near you as this could trigger your craving. You will not be able to stop strangers lighting up in public, but you can avoid places when the habit is prevalent.

The main thing to remember is you are not on your own. Thousands of people are going through exactly the same process at this very moment. Some will succeed and some will fail. What will you do?