The best way of quitting smoking is to have a smoking plan. Similar to a roadmap, it guides the individual into giving up smoking, but, the success of the plan depends very much on the individual’s determination. Any well based plan could go wrong just because the smoker cannot give up the urge for one last cigarette after quitting.

Setting a stop date is the first step in the stop smoking plan. You can pick any date, a week from now, a month from now, or even three months from now, practically whenever you feel like it. But still, it’s important to note that for your resolution to work, it should be as early as possible.

Some people make the mistake of smoke to their heart contents until the stop smoking day, and afterwards they just try and quit suddenly. This requires a very strong willpower. A much better way is to reduce the nicotine intake so that the cigarette consumption is reduced to minimum by the time the stop date arrives.

The next stage deals with withdrawal symptoms like mood changes, depression, irritability, emotional distress and it’s the most difficult. Here, the best way of fighting withdrawal symptoms is by a nicotine replacement therapy, because under this therapy you can trade your cigar for a nicotine patch or gum (who simulates the exact feeling of a smoke, by ensuring a minimum amount of nicotine in the body). The treatment takes from 6 months to 1 year or more.

Because there is always a danger of going back smoking, you can attend counseling sessions or become an active member of support programs. Seeking the support of friends and family members could also avoid a rebound. It’s also recommended to pick up a new hobby that keeps you busy, because this way you suppress the urge of smoking the next cigar.

The last step is called maintenance (or staying on the non-smoker line forever), and it requires to avoid places and people where, or for which smoking is common. Reminding you the reasons for quitting is also important.

You can always try again, even if a relapse occurs.