The center's stop-smoking program is tailored to each patient, but it usually includes counseling, behavior modification and a nicotine replacement product such as patches or gum. The American Cancer Society agrees there is no one way that's right for everyone. Patches, gum and nasal spray all can be used to ease the craving for nicotine, which induces pleasurable feelings. Attitude is key for all. It's not easy.
Most smokers try to quit at least five or six times before they succeed, researchers say.
Pick a quit date and tell friends and family, so you feel an obligation to follow through and have support for your goal. Health insurers, even some that advertise their emphasis on preventive medicine, may cover little or none of the expenses associated with stop-smoking programs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the state's biggest health insurer, has no formal smoking-cessation program. The company urges doctors who participate in its managed-care plans to counsel their patients on smoking, and the company checks whether doctors do so. Blue Cross also offers self-help materials to customers who want to quit.