Choosing the best way to stop smoking can be difficult, with so many options available. Whichever method you decide upon, you have to want to stop smoking, because no matter how effective the technique, it will not work if you really dont want to quit.

You decision will depend on several things your smoking habits, your personality and your bank balance.

First lets consider your habits. If you only smoke a few cigarettes a day, cold turkey may work well for you, as its possible that you arent yet addicted to nicotine. However, if you have been smoking 40 cigarettes a day for years, the habit may be a little harder to break. Despite this, many people opt for cold turkey and it is certainly the cheapest option. However, it is not the easiest way to quit, as it involves unpleasant side effects and despite getting through the initial week, only around 5% of those who choose it are non-smokers a year later.

Your personality will also determine which method works best for you. For example, if you reach for a cigarette when you are stressed and like to have something in your mouth, nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum might be a good choice.

Alternatively, if you dont believe that you have the willpower to stop, you may find that hypnotherapy, which targets your unconscious mind will work best for you.

Price is of course an important factor, although it could be argued that if the method is effective, over time you will save a great deal more than the cost of treatment. However, some methods come with a hefty price tag and so you will have to balance the pros and the cons.

Some people find that a combination of methods is more successful, and choose counselling, either in a group or individually, in conjunction with nicotine replacement or anti-smoking drugs such as zyban.

With new methods coming on the market all the time, including the prospect of a vaccine in the next few years, it is important to research the options before reaching a final decision.

Waller Jamison 2006