When you're thinking about quitting smoking, you read and listen to a lot of information on exactly how to go about doing this. All of this information can often get confusing and instead of forging on, you just get overwhelmed and give up before you even get started. Keep reading to end your confusion and discover your three main choices to help you quit smoking.

Method #1 - Nicotine Replacement Aids

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is when you use aids to replace cigarettes with small, measured amounts of nicotine. By gradually reducing the amount, it helps ease the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawals. Nicotine replacement aids contain only small amounts of nicotine and none of the harmful poisonous and/or carcinogenic chemicals that cigarettes have so they are safe to use.

Some types of NRTs are:

1. Patches
2. Gum
3. Inhalers
4. Lozenges
5. Nasal sprays

Method #2 - Nicotine-free Aids

Nicotine-free aids are just what they sound like. They help you reduce the withdrawal symptoms and the cravings for cigarettes, but they do not contain additive nicotine. Two of the more popular and widely used aids are:

Bupropion – an anti-depressant that will dramatically reduce physical withdrawals.

Varenicline Tartrate – this drug partially activates the nicotine receptors in your brain and reduces your cravings.

Method #3 Alternative Methods

If the above methods don't appeal to you for one reason or another, you might be interested in trying the alternative methods of Hypnosis or Acupuncture. Many people prefer not to take any form of medication and so decide not to use the above-mentioned aids. If this is you, consider trying one of these:

Hypnosis – Puts you in an altered state of mind where you are open to suggestions. There are many "quit smoking" hypnosis programs to choose from.

Acupunture – An ancient Chinese medical practice that uses needles to treat pain or disease. The needles are placed in specific spots on your body to treat your illness, or symptom and has been used successfully for helping people quit smoking.

Whether you decide to choose nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine-free aids, or alternative methods to quit smoking, the most important thing is that you quit smoking. Carefully consider which of these methods is best for you and that you feel you can be successful in using. In just a couple of months, you can be smoke-free!

Jason Ladock

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