In addition to nicotine, with each puff of a cigarette, a smoker is exposed to over 4,000 chemicals-43 of which are known to cause cancer. Studies have shown that former smokers who have managed to kick the habit for ten years or more have little to no remaining physical damage associated with smoking, regardless of the number of cigarettes they had smoked daily. Each individual needs to develop a strategy to quit smoking that suits her or his personality and abilities. Others may choose to cut down slowly. Regardless of the strategy that works best for you, there are a few fundamental steps that may help you on your way.
First Steps Make the decision to quit and commit to the goal.
Designate a date that you intend to smoke your last cigarette. Circle this date on the calendar. Tell your family and friends and ask for their support. Cutting Down Here are some tips to consider if you would like to begin the quitting process by slowly cutting down on the number of cigarettes you smoke before you completely stop smoking on the date that you have designated. Decide how many cigarettes you should smoke each day and only carry that number with you.