Today is the annual “Great American Smokeout“, a day sponsored by the American Cancer Society to encourage everyone who uses tobacco to quit.

Quitting smoking can be one of the hardest things you will do in your life, but I can attest from personal experience that it’s also one of the most rewarding. Give it a try - if it doesn’t work, you can always try again until it does.

Some suggestions on how to quit courtesy of the P-I:

• Nicotine replacement/medication:

“…for most people trying to quit, nicotine replacement therapies work. This includes the nicotine patch, gum, inhaler and nasal spray. Some physicians prescribe Zyban to treat nicotine addiction, and say it also helps patients who go through depression as a result of withdrawal.”

• Behavior therapy: “This includes support groups, both in person and over the phone.”
• Acupuncture
• Hypnosis
• Residential program

: ” Residential programs offer on-site, intensive therapy for up to a week or more. It also costs more than most other quit-smoking methods. Mayo Clinic, for example, offers retreats.”

For more help call: The Washington State Tobacco Quit Line at 877-270-STOP (7867)

Related posts:

1. Breathe a little easier
2. Pregnant and smoking? There’s help.
3. Hey smokers
4. Neumos hates your nose
5. On Metro transit