Information

• The internet provides a wealth of information on quitting and that can be your best ally. Knowing what to expect will keep you from fearing that your reactions are abnormal or your goal is unconquerable. You can find many websites specifically set up to help you with tips and ideas for managing nicotine withdrawals. The American Cancer Society and many government agencies have great sites available with reliable and trustworthy information.
  
  

Communities and Video

• Use all of the available aids the internet provides including "quitters" communities and videos. "WhyQuit.com" and the "QuitSmoking" message board are just a couple of the active communities online for people looking for support in their effort to quit the smoking habit. Watch YouTube videos and presentations on sites like the American Cancer Society website to see what smoking does to your lungs and learn about the other impacts it has on your body including your brain. That knowledge can help cement your desire to quit smoking.
  
  

Nicotine-Replacement Therapy

• Nicotine-replacement therapy comes in several different styles. There are patches, gums and even pills that will give you low doses of time-released nicotine. These help you manage your cravings while lowering the amounts of nicotine in your system over a period of time. As long as you do not use these aids as a long-term replacement for cigarettes they can be valuable in the quitting process. Using them can make the process of weaning your body off of nicotine a little easier.
  
  

Medications

• Nicotine has a serious impact on brain functions and the neurochemicals that regulate the body. Both physical and mental processes are affected when nicotine is withdrawn. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help ease the anxiety and depression smoking cessation can cause.
  
  

Family

• Never underestimate the power of family support. Tell your family and friends what you are doing. Not only will it help them understand when you have irritable moments it will also give you the moral support you need.
  
  

Medical Care

• There are many physical side effects as well as mental side effects that your doctor can help you with. Stopping smoking often causes the body to "clean out" sinuses and the respiratory system and makes you cough or have other symptoms that can be quite aggravating. While most of this is completely natural and normal, if any symptoms last more than a few days or weeks, it is a good idea to have them checked by your physician to be sure there are no serious complications.