According to research, quitting smoking is arguably the most difficult thing that a smoker can ever try in his/her life.
The chemical responsible for the addictiveness of cigarettes is nicotine.
Nicotine leaves the smoker yearning for an extra puff.
When trying to stop smoking, the body reacts by presenting withdrawal symptoms; however, many smokers cannot handle the side effects, and therefore end up smoking again.
It can be a vicious cycle.
With only 4 percent of those who try to quit enjoying success, it is common for smokers to use stop smoking aids.
Because of the complexity of the whole process that is involved when one is trying to quit smoking, many people agree that there is no one proven way to overcome this challenge.
Some are advised to try a combination of ways that could make the process less psychologically draining.
The methods include a combination of modern medicine, herbal remedies and mental willingness.
The nicotine withdrawal is reduced by the use of nicotine replacement therapy, which includes the use of products like the nicotine gum, the smoking patch and a nicotine inhaler.
Irritability, increased appetite, frustration, impatience and anger are all conditions that a person quitting smoking may go through.
Other people may experience headaches, dizziness, and anxiety and may even fall into a state of depression after they have halted their smoking habit.
Depending on how well a person is prepared, both physically or mentally, will determine if they are able to withstand the side effects.
This stage lasts several weeks, and during this time the person trying to quit smoking may find it hard to concentrate at work, while others may have difficulty sleeping.
Only those who have a resolute, single-minded drive to succeed will get past this stage.
Documented statistics indicate that there are many benefits of quitting smoking.
Fifty percent of smokers die from problems arising from smoking.
When one quits, they lower their susceptibility to diseases like cancer, blindness, hypertension and even stroke.
This knowledge has led to companies developing unique and different products that assist smokers in their quest to drop the habit.
They include smokeless cigarettes, which contain no nicotine.
Cigarette filters with the ability to remove tar and nicotine from the smoke before it reaches the lungs have also been developed.
Of importance, however, is the use of hypnosis as a method to quitting smoking.
Through hypnosis, a person relaxes, is less anxious and is finally able to stop smoking.
It is a true reflection of what the human mind can achieve.