Hypnosis

Hypnosis has proven to be a highly successful approach for those
wishing to stop smoking. In fact, depending on whether or not it's used
in conjunction with another approach, hypnosis has a sixty-six to eighty
percent success rate.

Why is hypnosis so successful?

Well, the primary reason is because smoking is not only a physical
addiction, it's also a psychological addiction. When you're able to control
your physical cravings at the same time that you're releasing your
psychological dependencies, you've got a powerful, often successful
combination. Many of the common quit smoking aids, such as patches,
gums, and inhalers are far more effective when combined with hypnosis.

If you plan on working with an accredited professional hypnotherapist,
however, you should be aware that permanent change is unlikely to
occur after a single session. In addition, the cost of hypnosis can be
expensive (sometimes as much as two hundred dollars per session).

Fortunately, you can find a number of audio programs designed
specifically to help you use self hypnosis to quit smoking. These
programs are generally much cheaper (often between fifty and one
hundred dollars) than traditional hypnosis therapy. And they can be
equally as powerful.

Many people wonder if they'll experience withdrawal symptoms or gain
weight when they use hypnosis to stop smoking. Fortunately, this is
generally not the case. In fact, most people find that they experience
only positive effects such as less stress, reduced anxiety, and an overall
peacefulness.

Cold Turkey

Many ex-smokers have successfully quit the habit cold turkey. Most,
however, will tell you that they did so with little preparation. Often going
cold turkey is unplanned and spontaneous. It just happens. Usually the
smoker goes cold turkey in response to a major event such as the loss of
a close friend or a loved one to lung cancer. The smoker simply stops,
the event so vivid in their mind that every time the urge to smoke occurs
the urge is zapped.


To succeed at going cold turkey, the smoker either needs to be able to
stay focused on the event or to have a constant reminder. For instance,
a pregnant mom might want to tape the ultrasound picture on her
refrigerator as a reminder of the life growing inside of her. Or the father
of an asthmatic son might be reminded that he needs to make his home
smoke free every time he sees his asthmatic son wheezing and reaching
for his inhaler.


Going cold turkey without a plan does not mean that you can't still
develop a plan. In fact, it's always helpful if you develop some definite
goals and enlist the help of family and friends to help you achieve them.
Whether you're going cold turkey or have designed a plan to quit, you're
likely to run across feelings of irritability, being tired, and cravings. Here
are some tips to help you survive:


Understand that being irritable, tired, or out of sorts is to be expected.


Make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day.


Do something physical, such as going for a swim or taking a walk, to
keep your mind active and off your cravings.


Surround yourself with support - people who can help you to resist the
temptation to smoke.