For several million smokers around the world, cigarettes are considered almost as important as oxygen for their survival. They have fallen prey to a deadly addiction. Nicotine is an active ingredient in tobacco and is present in cigarettes in large quantities. In small doses, nicotine acts as a stimulant. However, an overdose of nicotine is lethal.

A large proportion of cigarette smokers suffer from a variety of disorders. From respiratory diseases and skin ailments to heart problems and cancer, the complications are many. To save the body from damage, one must quit smoking at an early stage. Although they say it is never too late, letting go of the habit at a later stage is more difficult. There are several ways to quit smoking. While some methods require professional guidance and counseling, the person may practice others independently.

The cold turkey method is practiced by several smokers and is quite popular. This way, a person quits smoking abruptly, by entirely giving up smoking. There is no tapering off.

Nicotine replacement therapy is another popular method employed by many. When a person is trying to quit, he or she might experience severe withdrawal symptoms because the supply of nicotine to the smokers blood has been taken away. In this method, the nicotine delivered through cigarettes is replaced by nicotine delivered through the skin. Nicotine patches, nicotine gum and nicotine nasal sprays are the options available in this therapy. Experts suggest a step tapering method when following this policy, as it eases the withdrawal symptoms gradually.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is probably the best way to go about quitting. This method requires a great amount of self-control and determination to ward off the urge to smoke. Getting rid of external influences that promote smoking, delaying every smoke session, creating an aversive condition by smoking and focusing on the positive rewards are all part of this therapy.

Other methods used to quit smoking are counseling sessions, acupuncture and hypnosis.

These methods, along with a firm resolve will help a person on the path to recovery. It is essential that a smoker feels the need to quit from within himself and is not trying methods to quit smoking due to external pressure. When the smoker is determined to quit, though, their chosen way to quit smoking will have a greater chance of success.