Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which 69 are known carcinogens. Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States and adversely affects every organ in the human body.

1. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which 69 are known carcinogens. Smoking
is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States and adversely affects every
organ in the human body.
Despite these facts, many people still find it hard to quit the habit. One reason is the fact that
cigarettes are designed to be addictive. They're also more addictive now than they were in the past:
a recent study has found that cigarette manufacturers have improved the nicotine delivery system in
their products, increasing the amount of nicotine received by a person while smoking.
However, no matter how difficult it seems to quit, it is possible. Several celebrities have spoken of
their own nicotine addiction and how they managed to kick the habit for good: Barack Obama,
Anthony Bourdain, Cameron Diaz, and Jennifer Aniston are just a few examples.
Meanwhile, those who are bent on getting started on their own smoking cessation program should
do the following:
Set a “quit date”
Kicking the habit: Self-help tips to quit smoking for good
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2. When it comes to goals, it's best to have a target date in mind. A quit date gives smokers time to
prepare mentally for the challenges ahead.
Jot down reasons for quitting
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3. Smokers should make a list of their motivations for quitting smoking. Some examples are: for better
health, to save money, and to become better role models to kids. Smokers should also keep the list
somewhere they're likely to see it every day, such as on the refrigerator door.
Choose a smoking cessation method
Programs for smoking cessation can be found nearly everywhere, and research says that people in
smoking cessation support groups have a greater chance of kicking the habitfor good. Other
methods that could work are individual counseling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the
form of patches, lozenges, or inhalers.
Identify smoking triggers
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4. Certain places, activities, and emotions can trigger an urge to smoke. Smokers should identify these
triggers and avoid them, if possible, or craft strategies to help them deal with these triggers without
lighting up.
Don't give up
When their first attempt to quit doesn't work, smokers shouldn't be too hard on themselves and
should try again. Many people who have tried quitting smoking had to try five or more times before
they were finally able to kick the habit for good.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is an internist specializing in pulmonology. Like this Facebook page for helpful
links and posts on health-related topics.