Related Media: Preparing to Quit Smoking

Cigarettes make a lot of changes in your body. Some of these changes may make it feel hard to quit but not impossible! You've already taken the first step, the following will help you plan for the next few steps.

Here’s How

Learn about tools that can help you quit. They can ease craving or symptoms caused by withdrawal of nicotine. Tools include nicotine gum, patches, or inhaler, or medicine. There are many resources online to help you learn about your choices. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have or medicine choices. You may also choose to quit without the help of these tools.

Set your target quit date. Make it a few weeks away. To prepare you to quit, try the following steps:

Switch Brands

• Switch to a brand you find distasteful.
• About 1 to 2 weeks before your quit date, change to a brand that is low in tar and nicotine. This will help your body adjust to change in chemicals. Be careful not to increase the number of cigarettes to make up for changes in nicotine.

Cut Down the Number of Cigarettes You Smoke

• Smoke only half of each cigarette.
• Each day, put off your first cigarette by one hour.
• Decide you'll only smoke during odd or even hours of the day.
• Decide beforehand how many cigarettes you'll smoke during the day. For each extra cigarette, give a dollar to your favorite charity.
• Change your eating habits to help you cut down. For example, drink milk. Many people feel milk and smoking do not mix. End meals or snacks with something that won't lead to a cigarette.
• Reach for a glass of juice instead of a cigarette for a "pick-me-up."

Remember: Cutting down can help you quit. It is no substitute for quitting. If you are at 7 cigarettes a day, it's time to set your target quit date.

Don't Smoke Out of Habit

• Smoke only those cigarettes you really want. Catch yourself before you light up out of pure habit.
• Don't empty your ashtrays. This will remind you of how many cigarettes you've smoked each day. The sight and the smell of stale cigarettes butts will be very unpleasant.
• Make yourself aware of each cigarette. Use the opposite hand or put cigarettes in an unfamiliar location or a different pocket. This will break the automatic reach.
• Try to look in a mirror each time you put a match to your cigarette. You may decide you don't need it.

Make Smoking More Difficult

• Stop buying cigarettes by the carton. Wait until one pack is empty before you buy another.
• Stop carrying cigarettes with you at home or at work. Make them difficult to get to.

Make Smoking Unpleasant

• Smoke in ways that aren't pleasurable for you. If you like to smoke with others, smoke alone. Turn your chair to an empty corner and focus only on the cigarette you are smoking and all its many negative effects.
• Collect all your cigarette butts in one large glass container. It will give you a visual reminder of smoking.

Just Before Quitting

• Practice going without cigarettes.
• Don't think of never smoking again. Think of quitting in terms of one day at a time.
• Tell yourself you won't smoke today, and then don't.
• Clean your clothes to rid them of the cigarette smell. The smell can linger a long time if ti is not washed out.

On the Day You Quit

• Throw away all your cigarettes and matches. Hide your lighters and ashtrays.
• Visit the dentist. Have your teeth cleaned to get rid of tobacco stains. Notice how nice they look. Commit to keep them that way.
• Put aside money you would have spent on cigarettes. Make a list of things you'd like to buy for yourself or someone else.
• Keep very busy on the big day. Go to the movies, exercise, take long walks, or go bike riding.
• Remind your family and friends that this is your quit date. Ask them to help you over the rough spots of the first couple of days and weeks.
• Buy yourself a treat or do something special to celebrate.

Telephone and Internet Support

Telephone and web-based programs can offer you the support that you need to quit and to stay smoke-free. You can find many programs online.

Immediately After Quitting

• Develop a clean, fresh, nonsmoking environment around yourself. Do it at work and at home. Buy yourself flowers. You may be surprised how much you can enjoy their scent now.
• Spend as much free time as possible in places where smoking isn't allowed in the first few days. Libraries, museums, theaters, department stores, and churches are good choices.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try to avoid alcohol, coffee, and other drinks that you link with smoking.
• Strike up conversation instead of a match for a cigarette.
• If you miss having a cigarette in your hand, play with something else. A pencil, a paper clip, a marble, or a fidget tool may help.
• If you miss having something in your mouth, try toothpicks or a fake cigarette.