Quit Guide: Preparing to Quit
Talk to Your Doctor About Getting Help to Quit
Quitting "cold turkey" isn't your only choice. Talk to your doctor about other ways to quit. Most doctors can answer your questions and give advice. They can suggest medicine to help with withdrawal. You can buy some of these medicines on your own. For others, you need a prescription.
Your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist can also point you to places to find support or toll-free quit lines. The National Cancer Institute's Smoking Quitline can help, too. It can help you find support in your area.
If you cannot see your doctor, you can get some medicines without a prescription that can help you quit smoking. Go to your local pharmacy or grocery store for over-the-counter medicines like the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or nicotine lozenge. Read the instructions to see if the medicine is right for you. If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using any type of medication.