Then - and this is important - realize that how you go about quitting may depend on the type of smoker you are. Most smokers are people who simply seek positive enjoyment from the habit; they will have less trouble quitting than others, and should try tapering off. But there are "hard-core" smokers, solidly addicted to smoking which they use as act emotional crutch. This group amounts to an estimated 25% to 35% of all smokers; they should quit cold.
Anything you can do to interrupt the mind and motion pattern associated with lighting up - such as jotting down the time in a notebook - will be helpful. What about drugs? Nonprescription products that contain lobeline (a nicotine substitute) often have little effect, according to some experts. You can also try switching to cigars or pipes - and not inhale. This type of smoking appears to do little harm. Remember, though, that some of the "little cigars" are quite small and mild; you may find yourself inhaling.
The object of your exercise - assuming you're not the addictive type - should be to cut down gradually by smoking, say, 20% fewer cigarettes each week over a five-week period. There's no telling how difficult it will be. Many encounter severe withdrawal symptoms: hunger, dizziness, irritability, poor concentration. Don't feel you're exceptional if you try to stop and fail.
You may decide, after all, to rely on your doctor. More than likely - after he has given you his favourite anti-cigarette lecture - he will put you on a personal program for quitting. This might include such aids as tranquilizers, appetite-suppressing drugs, and possibly lobeline.
One of the most persuasive arguments for quitting that can confront a smoker is to be told that his habit will in the long run hurt his children. Evidence clearly shows that when parents smoke, their teen-aged children copy them. Apart from stopping yourself, you might point out to your youngster that the death rate per year among men who began smoking after age 25 is about 40% higher than for non-smokers. It is about 125% higher among men who first started smoking before age 15.
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