Smoking cessation may significantly reduce an individual's risks of developing numerous health problems, including cancer and emphysema. Cessation techniques commonly include medication and counseling to counter the physical and mental effects of nicotine addiction.

Nicotine Replacement

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), smokers looking to quit can address the physical effects of nicotine withdrawal through the use of nicotine replacement products, including nicotine-containing patches, gum, inhalers, lozenges and sprays that provide controlled doses of nicotine to help smokers wean themselves from cigarettes.

Additional Medications

Non-nicotine drugs used for smoking cessation include buproprion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix). Buproprion may be used with or without nicotine replacement; the most effective treatment typically begins one or two weeks before an individual stops smoking.

Counseling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend discussing quitting with a health professional, as well as receiving some form of individual, telephone or group counseling.

Learning New Behaviors

Another important factor in quitting smoking is the learning of new replacement behaviors, including changes in routine, stress reduction and planning pleasurable alternative daily activities.

Additional Treatments

The ACS lists additional potential smoking cessation treatments that include acupuncture, hypnosis and low-level laser therapy.

Source:

American Cancer Society: Guide to Quitting Smoking

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Five Keys for Quitting Smoking

National Cancer Institute: Quitting Smoking: Why To Quit and How To Get Help

More Information:

SmokeFree.gov