You know all the reasons why you should quit, but you have to be ready to do it? You might be uncertain. It won’t be easy. But with commitment, the right attitude, and the methods listed below, you can be off to a good start. Why not give it a try?

You Are Not Alone

Over one million people each year make the decision and successfully quit smoking. Here are some of their tips that can help you:

How Can I Quit?

You have heard a lot about different ways to quit. Experts say you have the best chance of quitting if you use these proven methods together. The entire process is 3-12 weeks long and depends on your individual needs. This can be broken down into three easy steps:

Step One: Consultation

Meet with Dr. Melamed for a confidential consultation about the smoking, your needs, and your options Quitting. If you decide to Quit, you will receive an initial health assessment, a kit filled with quitting aides, and three follow-up sessions, one of which will be at the end of the program.

During the assessment session, you fill out a form that reviews your smoking and medical history and take breath test to evaluate your lung’s current health.

Step Two: Choose Your Quit Method

You have three quitting options that may be used alone or in combination with one another. During your initial consultation, you will learn about each in order to make the choice that is right for you.

On Your Own: Dr. Melamed can help you quit “cold turkey” or step by step with one-on-one sessions for relapse prevention.

Nicotine Replacement: This means the nicotine patch, gum, or nasal spray. Any one of these three can help cut back on the urge to smoke. Studies show that almost everyone can benefit from nicotine replacement therapy. Dr. Melamed can provide you the nicotine patch, gum or nasal spray. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) allows you to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine that you put into your body. NRT options include inhalers, gum, spray, and the patch.

Zyban (Bupropion SR): This prescription medication is, in combination with NRT, one of the most successful quitting methods.

Step Three: Follow-Up

Dr. Melamed is always available for support and encouragement. In addition to the one-on-one sessions for relapse prevention, you can always schedule follow-up services to help you stay quit or, if you need, to try again.

Get Support and Encouragement

Smoking cessation programs can help you learn how to deal with stress and other things that make you want to smoke. You may want to join a quit-smoking program for Group Support from other also quitting, or start your own informal group of smokers trying to quit. Studies show that the more support you have, the greater your chance for success.
A complete list for the New York City area is listed here.

Learn How to Handle The Urge to Smoke

Be aware of things that may cause you to want to smoke:

  • Being around other smokers
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Being under stress
  • Getting into an argument
  • Feeling depressed

It can be tough “unlearning” something that is so much a part of what you do everyday. There is no magic solution — but it can be done. Over one million people prove it every year — you can, too!

Reward Yourself

Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy as a nonsmoker:

  • You’ll take a giant step toward improving your health
  • You’ll feel less winded and have more energy
  • Food will taste better
  • Your sense of smell will improve
  • The money spent on tobacco products can now be spent on other enjoyable things
  • You’ll control your own schedule, instead of your habit controlling you

What are some of the benefits you look forward to? Make a list and keep it where you can see it — in the car, at home, or at work.

References

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
AHCPR Publication: First Time Quitters. Publication No. 97-0062A. January 1998.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
AHCPR Publication: You Can Quit Smoking.