With the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act only five months old, associated issues have once again become pushed to the forefront of society’s consciousness. Riding upon yet another wave of burgeoning awareness regarding the hazards of tobacco, it is not surprising that many would find themselves moved to try and ditch a smoking habit altogether. But doing so can frequently come at a considerable cost, occasionally rivaling that of the originating inclination. The following ten methods assist in quitting without resulting in a cash hemorrhage.

1. Consult a government quit line or website: According to Time Magazine’s interview with Dr. Michael Fiore at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, the best resources available for those desiring to quit smoking are the numerous government-sponsored phone lines and websites available for aid during every step of the way. Smokefree.gov is an entirely free guide to everything a smoker needs to know about quitting – the risks, the emotions, and all the ways to confront them. The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Food and Drug Administration, and Center for Disease Control are all organizations either run by the government itself or used as reliable sources of information by them. Every one provides a bevy of valuable information and advice on how to stop smoking safely and effectively. Likewise, many individual states offer toll-free numbers, with Colorado’s 1-800-QUIT-NOW standing as one of the most popular, to offer comparatively more localized assistance. Most of them even provide a connection with the nearest counselors and support groups when extra help may be needed.

2. Substitute a healthier habit when cravings hit: In the shaky, uncertain early stages of quitting, it is possible to essentially “re-program” routines and habits into something more productive than smoking. While snacking is unadvisible as it can lead to unhealthy weight gain, there are numerous other replacements to weave into a daily routine in order to distract thoughts and cravings. Exercise stands as one of the most popular substitutes, and the resulting endorphine boost leads to a more positive, confident outlook. Many also take the time to begin a new hobby, turning towards something creative and tangible whenever the temptation to light up seeps in. An undeniable euphoria stems from seeing and feeling the results of one’s hard work and devotion, and it can indespensibly aid when trying to slough off a smoking habit.



Source: Wikipedia

3. Join up with Nicotine Anonymous : A free 12-step program, Nicotine Anonymous offers nonjudgmental group therapy for those seeking to quit smoking. Their website lists meetings all over the United States and North America (and parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America to a smaller extent) as well as tips on how to start one up if the organization does not seem to be available in a certain area. Support groups make for an excellent way for former smokers to share experiences and learn more about their own personal battles in turn. In times of tribulation, nobody will deny that surrounding oneself with like-minded and sympathetic individuals provides a priceless emotional boost. Like other 12-step programs, participants will work with a sponsor devoted to helping them quit and remain healthy, active, and happy as they struggle to free themselves from their smoking habits.

4. Nicotine gum : Though it is not advisable to consider nicotine gum as a long-term solution, it works well as an intermediary step between quitting and becoming purely nicotine-free. Name brands such as Nicorette may run a bit high, but generic gum can cost as low as $35.99 for 170 squares – sometimes even more reasonable than that. And since they are available over the counter, there is no need to stop into a physician’s office to acquire a prescription. Although it is always a wise idea to discuss plans to go onto a gum-centric regimen with a pharmacist or other professional before supplanting one nicotine product with another. The American Lung Association recommends no more than twelve weeks using nicotine gum as a replacement for smoking.


Source: Wikipedia

5. Join an online community : If Nicotine Anonymous or the government offers do not seem to be appropriate or convenient for a particular preference or lifestyle choice, online communities may prove a better fit. There are literally thousands of free forums dedicated solely to helping smokers find support and comfort as they work towards cessation. WhyQuit ranks as one of the most prominent virtual support groups available, providing free texts, articles, meters, testimonials, and message boards as a source of both extensive information as well as a positive environment in which to meet others carrying similar goals and experiences.

6. Counseling : Professional therapy may carry with it a stigma of high expense, but in reality there are numerous affordable options available for those who wish to quit smoking with a more personal psychological solution than the available support groups. For students, most high schools and universities offer completely free counseling sessions and are well-equipped to deal with the physical, mental, and emotional stresses associated with smoking cessation. Those without health insurance – or those with a plan that does not offer mental health coverage – can find a wide range of counselors and psychologists who offer a sliding payment scale based on the patient’s fiscal status. These can run as little as $15 per session in some cities. It may take a bit of a search to find an economically friendly fit, however, but the time spent is well worth it for the resulting mental and financial peace of mind.

7. Make necessary lifestyle changes :Sit down and analyze the personal reasons behind smoking. Is it stress-related? Relegated to a certain meal, time, or circle of friends? Does it usually accompany alcohol? Consider deeply the motivations and behavior patterns that came to result in a smoking habit. It may be necessary to make adjustments in order to curb the urge to light up – abstaining from alcohol, establishing a distance from peers who smoke, or seeking out alternative methods of relieving stress and anxiety seem to be the most common solutions. Such shifts may prove difficult at first, but in the long run they can pave the way for healthier routines and a more positive mindset.

8. Download a quit meter : There are several programs available on the internet (and applications for the iPhone) to track the time that has elapsed since quitting – some free, some accompanied by a small fee. While that serves as the most basic function, many of them also feature statistics on money saved, the progress of friends who have also decided to quit, cigarettes not smoked, and amount of life gained. Most quit meters allow users to plug in their personal goals, popping up alerts whenever a certain milestone is reached. The meters serve as an excellent way to visually process successes, which can contribute significantly to the overall sense of confidence and self-worth necessary for maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle.

9. Don’t be afraid of a reward or two : The decision to quit smoking is an undoubtedly trying time for anyone hailing from any background. But setting up free or inexpensive little rewards along the way, like coffee at a favorite but ill-frequented shop or a book from a beloved store, it provides more motivation to plow forward and achieve goals than merely ticking them off a checklist. A good rule of thumb is to spend less on rewards than on cigarettes, cigars, or chewing or pipe tobacco in order to consciously underscore the amount of money that has been saved. Try and set up goals that follow a logical temporal structure – weekly, monthly, and yearly – in order to aid adherence to a new routine. This method works nicely in conjunction with the aforementioned quit meters as well.

10. Eat well, exercise, and decompress :Working out, consuming a healthy diet, and taking measures to reduce stress are three essentials for anyone, regardless of whether or not they’re in the process of kicking a smoking habit. However, they are especially important for those who recently made the decision to quit. Exercising and eating well both help stave off the weight gain associated with cessation, and decompression assists in quelling the trying emotional and physical tensions that may sink in. Secular and religious meditation rituals alike have especially grown in popularity as possible routes towards relaxation. Taking care of one’s own well-being and placing it first and foremost as a priority fortifies the desire to stop smoking and live healthy more than anything else. Without a clear mind and active, strong body, the desire to slip back into old habits such as smoking may grow too overwhelming and increase the chance of a relapse.



Source: Wikipedia

The decision to quit smoking comes at a considerable emotional, mental, and physical cost. With so many free or cheap options available, there really is little need to introduce additional financial strain into the equation. However, it is always advisable to consult with a medical professional before stepping into a cessation regimen as a means of best assessing the most successful and affordable route possible. It is the safest way to secure a happy and healthy future free from the strains of smoking.