Stats show that smokers go “cold turkey” to get rid of their smoking habit much more frequently than any other methods. The majority of smokers do it – simply stopping without any medical counseling or replacement therapies – when they are trying to give up for the first time. However, only 5% manage to quit smoking this way.

Scientists believe it’s explainable why so many people try to give up without any help. It is a problem of self-appraisal, as many of them suppose they would cope with their addiction, but they barely can estimate how strong their addiction virtually is.

In fact, the nicotine addiction comprises both psychological and physiological sides. Consequently, after smokers quit, their bodies undergo dramatic withdrawal symptoms like, stress, irritation, depression, and indisposition that may continue for months.

The chances of succeeding in giving up cold turkey are influenced by many factors, such as willpower, habits, environment and the extent of your dependence.

Drugs and nicotine-replacement therapies such as gums, sprays and patches assist in mitigating the withdrawal symptoms, and thus increase the probability of success. At the same time, when you give up on your own, you have nothing to help your body overcome these effects.

But when you quit cold turkey, there is nothing in your body to serve as a buffer for withdrawal symptoms.

Of course, there are several advantages of going cold turkey. It saves precious time, which you have to spend on visiting physicians and taking part in smoking cessation programs.

In addition, giving up on your own is totally free. As financial motive drives many smokers to giving up, they don’t want to spend their hard-earned money on counseling and expensive medications.

If you believe, you are able to handle the pressure of giving up cold turkey, there are several things that may help you overcome your addiction:

• Draw up a strategy. Set up an exact give up day. Remove all things that are associated with smoking like ashtrays and air fresheners.
• Take a break from your routine. Smokers have some habits connected with smoking? Like having a coffee or chatting over the phone. So, avoid the habits that remind you of cigarettes.
• Keep something in you mouth. Psychologists state that keeping mouth busy with sugar-free candy may help you overcome the desire to have a smoke.
• Drink water. Having a cup of water can help you keep your mouth busy and is very good for health as water washes away toxins from your body and control your weight.
• Go in for sports. Jogging, swimming and exercising can distract you from thoughts of a cig and prevent putting up weight.
• Encourage yourself. Draw up a list of negative consequences and effects of smoking and have it always at hand. Read it each time you feel a need to light up.

By Sara Norton, Staff Writer. Copyright © 2010 Cigarette-Store.org All rights reserved.