According to a recent poll, quitting smoking is the second most popular resolution of the New Year, after the topmost resolution – losing weight. Both losing weight and quitting smoking are great goals, but by quitting smoking you are saving not only the health of yours but also of those around you.

Research studies suggest that only 5% of those trying to quit smoking are successful in their efforts. Then what is the best approach to meet your ends? Here are the possible approaches to quit smoking.

• Nicotine replacement therapy – in which nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler or nicotine patches are used – control your craving for cigarettes by giving you nicotine without causing any harmful effects of tobacco smoke.
• Certain antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Zyban, help in tobacco cessation. They control psychological underpinnings like depression and mood problems, which make you addict to smoking.
• A professional counselor advises you on health risks of smoking, gives you the necessary support and also provides third-party accountability. A pharmacist, physician, psychologist or other smoking cessation specialist can give you tobacco cessation counseling.
• Acupuncture is a better approach for smoking cessation. A typical course of acupuncture treatment lasts 10 to 12 sessions, with treatment taken once or twice a week.
• Hypnosis is a better technique for tobacco cessation. In hypnosis a person enters a state of very deep relaxation, in which he becomes receptive to positive suggestions on reducing anxiety and nicotine cravings. Normally a course of hypnosis treatment lasts for 3 to 10 sessions, usually weekly.

The best approach is a combination of drug therapy and counseling. However, for those who find that this approach is not working, alternative therapies are a reasonable option. You can definitely achieve success by following the approach that works for you and also gather support around you.

Find more at: Building Your Resolve, Top Ten Tips to Quit Smoking, Herbal Remedies to Quit Smoking