There are several things you can do to stop smoking that don't
involve nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications:
Ask your doctor for a referral or see Resources and References
below for help finding qualified professionals in each area.
- Hypnosis - A popular option that has produced
good results. Forget anything you may have seen from stage
hypnotists, hypnosis works by getting you into a deeply relaxed
state where you are open to suggestions that strengthen your
resolve to quit smoking and increase your negative feelings toward
cigarettes.
- Acupuncture - One of the oldest known medical
techniques, acupuncture is believed to work by triggering the
release of endorphins (natural pain relievers) that allow the body
to relax. As a smoking cessation aid, acupuncture can be helpful in
managing smoking withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral Therapy - Nicotine addiction is
related to the habitual behaviors (the "rituals") involved in
smoking. Behavior therapy focuses on learning new coping skills and
breaking those habits.
- Motivational Therapies - Self-help books and
websites can provide a number of ways to motivate yourself to quit
smoking. One well known example is calculating the monetary
savings. Some people have been able to find the motivation to quit
just by calculating how much money they will save. It may be enough
to pay for a summer vacation.