Smoking is harmful to a smoker s health as well as the people around the smoker. The first and second hand smoke can cause lung disease, such as emphysema and lung cancer. It can also cause cancer of the mouth and throat. A smoker s hands, breath, clothes, car, and house smell like cigarette smoke. They also have yellow teeth. That s why quitting is so important.

Quitting is not easy, but it can be done. You have to fight off cravings one at a time. #If that is hard for you to do because of the nicotine addiction try nicotine replacement therapy. There are many forms available.

One form is the patch##. The patch is available in different strengths. They have step-down programs, where you start with a high dose of nicotine (for heavy smokers) and gradually move down to a smaller dose until you no longer have cravings. Or, for light smokers a smaller dose patch may work for the entire time.

The next form of nicotine replacement therapy is nicotine gum. A piece of gum is bit in to (not chewed) and placed in the corner of your mouth whenever you have a craving. The gum also comes in different strengths. This method also helps if you have an oral fixation.

If you find that none of these methods work for you, go to your doctor. He can prescribe a NICOTROL Inhaler. The inhaler looks like a plastic cigarette. They have replaceable cartridges in them that contain nicotine. You inhale them like you would a cigarette. They also help with an oral fixation. Your doctor can also prescribe a pill called ZYBAN. This pill is taken once a day.

If nicotine addiction is not the problem for you, you may have an oral fixation. If this is the case, try sucking on sucker when you get a craving. Or eat a healthy snack.

The two most important things to have when trying to quit smoking are willpower and support from friends and family. You must have the willpower to not light up. Try going to a no smoking restaurant when you go out to eat. Don t allow people to smoke in your house or your car. Refrain from activities that you usually smoke while doing. If you slip up, get right back on track. And if your friends and family want you to quit smoking as much as you do, that will make it a lot easier.

Quitting isn t easy. Few people say it is. But with willpower, support, and the right program, it is possible. It will take time before you will be able to see a cigarette and not want to smoke it. But before you know it, the smell of smoke and the sight of some one smoking will be absolutely appalling.

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