It is never easy to quit smoking, but with the right plan and support it can be done. There are several different ways to kick the habit, but the best method is the one you’re able to follow consistently. Here are four common methods to quit smoking so that you can start living a healthier life.

1. Cold Turkey Approach

One of the most commonly-tried methods to quit smoking is to stop immediately and completely, or “cold turkey.” While this approach is technically the fastest way to quit smoking, many people find it difficult due to the lack of a weaning-off process, which can lead to nicotine withdrawals and cigarette cravings. However, a good support system can help encourage you and keep you accountable during stressful craving periods if you try this method.

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2. Nicotine Replacement Therapy / Wean-Off Method

Another method that can help you quit smoking is to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help wean you off cigarettes and tobacco. With this process, people who want to quit smoking gradually reduce their dependence on cigarettes by using a less harmful source of nicotine in the form of gum, inhalers, patches, and/or lozenges. The goal with NRT is to slowly lessen the amount of nicotine in your body to the point where you can recover from nicotine and tobacco addiction entirely and reclaim your life after smoking.

3. Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is designed to help you address and change certain behaviors. In the case of smoking, your behavioral counselor will often work with you to name the situations that make you want to smoke and come up with a treatment plan to address and manage those cravings according to your specific needs. This can be used in conjunction with other quitting methods, but it’s most commonly paired with nicotine replacement therapies as mentioned above.

4. Combination of Treatments

In some cases, people who are dealing with smoking addiction might not be able to quit using one method alone. This doesn’t mean you’re doomed—quite the contrary! Combining different methods of quitting can actually make it more likely for you to succeed in your efforts in breaking free from addiction. This is where a specialized treatment plan can be the bringer of success—you’ll be working with yourself instead of against yourself with a plan that listens to your specific needs, triggers, and withdrawals.

Don’t Wait—Reach Out Today

No matter how you decide to go about quitting, it’s important to choose the method that works best for you. Reach out to your primary care provider or health professional today to schedule an appointment and talk through your options. Quitting is possible, and we are here to help you each step of the way.

Do you have more questions about getting help to quit smoking in Salem, Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!

This post was first published on wfmchealth.org.