The habit of smoking is a silent killer and despite this being common knowledge, not too many smokers are keen on quitting any time soon. Many studies have pinpointed the addictive natures of tobacco and nicotine being a cause for this. Another reason for individuals not being able to quit smoking easily is the symptoms of withdrawal that accompany the effort. The side-effects of withdrawal can be so bad that many people are too afraid to go through the process.

Always remember that it took years to create a habit and it is not going to go away overnight, aside from quitting cold turkey. But with enough help and the will power, it is possible for one to kick the butt for good. Given here are four effective methods for smoking cessation.

Evaluate your body and mind
It might be the wrinkles on your skin, or inability to complete a relaxed jog for 20 minutes, or even low sex drive — evaluating your body by conducting tests can show you the best picture of where it stands. Getting a pulmonary test conducted at hospitals gives you the right picture in numbers and figures and in most cases, this enables you to set your path to recovery. Hospitals also help you and put you on to programs that can help you quit smoking for good.

Using NRT or medications
Even though there are many who have quit cold turkey, the usage of medication or Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is nothing to be embarrassed of. They help you get your nicotine dose without getting the lungs full of toxins. It is important to remember that the NRT only stops the nicotine craving, and people addicted to the drag and the smoke filling the lungs will find it difficult to stop smoking despite it.

Medications like Varenicline and Bupropion can help with different aspects of the quitting process. Varenicline works by clinging to the nominee receptors in the body and they reduce withdrawal symptoms. This way, smokers have less urge to smoke the next cigarette. Whereas, Bupropion is an anti-depressant that helps by reducing the cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.

Get help and support
Even though cigarettes are everywhere and others who smoke may tease you to take a drag, there are many help clinics and support groups that help you avoid this. There are various online and offline organizations such as The National Cancer Institue and the American Lung Association that give counseling, advice, medications and all the necessary help to enable one to quit smoking. People who prefer support groups online can look for aid on LiveHelp, SmokefreeTXT (text messaging service) and log on to the SmokeFree website or twitter page.

Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) is a support group applies the 12-step process used by Alcoholics Anonymous in helping one to quit smoking. One can find their nearest support group on their website or get in touch with them by calling the number mentioned on their website. There are numerous effective methods for smoking cessation in addition to these, including joining group therapy or signing up for individual counseling.

Get moving or meditating
Exercise and meditation are proven methods to kick the habit for good. Any kind of physical exercise can only help your lungs, heart, and other organs to detox and get some fresh air into the system. People who exercise have also reported a reduced desire to smoke as compared to earlier. Meditation, in the form of mindfulness, or being aware of the breaths being taken can keep the mind off withdrawal symptoms. Practicing deep breathing techniques has many benefits, including cleaning the lungs of toxins that have been acquired from years of smoking. Doctors recommend physical and mental exercises to quit smoking for good.