Though there are millions of programs to help you stop smoking, there are just as many reasons why none of them work. None of the reasons are a mystery, really- it’s just that all smoking cessation programs cause you to give up something you enjoy (smoking) for some reward (better health) which just isn’t compelling enough to be all that you need.

 Smoking cessation programs aren’t the answer. Many smokers try a slew of stop smoking programs, as well as nicotine gum, cigarette rationing, and switching to lighter and lighter smokes, but, for many of them, nothing works. The reason was that stop smoking programs aren’t really the answer.

[widget:ad_unit-1219156774]

No, I’m not going to pitch some new product, or revolutionary new program to stop smoking. Come on, keep reading – I don’t have anything to sell you. The simple truth is the only way to stop smoking is to just stop. That’s it. No stop smoking programs, no incentive systems, no rules about only smoking with friends, or only smoking one day a week, or only smoking on days you sleep in or are hung over. None of this works.

Whatever stop smoking programs tell you, the thing that is hard about not smoking is the re-arranging of your social routine, not the actual nicotine cravings. It is nice to be able to grab a smoke with friends, nice to be able to take a moment to step outside and enjoy a tasty cancer stick. So, you have to be completely firm with yourself and not give an inch. The only successful stop smoking program is to tell yourself that, from now on, I will not smoke.

Don’t be too ambitious all at once. Many people suddenly get an impulse to change every aspect of their life at once, enrolling in stop smoking programs in the same week that they start exercise programs and new diet plans. This is a bad idea, and will not help you quit smoking. The best way to well and truly stop smoking is to let yourself go a little in other ways.

Its okay to put on a few pounds, its okay to have some junk food, or let your exercise routine go. If you have too many rules for yourself at once, you will lose all of them. And yes, for some people, stop smoking programs can work because they provide a support group. But remember, the only real crucial stop smoking program is your resolution to, once and for all, stop smoking.