Just doing it. Gets past the habit and physical dependence at the same time. Works best with motivation and preparation.

Determination. Inner drive. Motivation.

Immediately free of smoke and nicotine, no cost, save money, health benefits, smell good, confidence, and immediate sense of accomplishment. Doesn't drag out quitting.

Withdrawal symptoms. May run into problems if no planning or preparation.

Sticks to skin. Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

By doctor's prescription or over the counter at local pharmacy or grocery store.

Easy to use. Time to adjust to smoke-free lifestyle by getting off nicotine slowly. No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens.

Possible side effects. Can be addictive. Not a magic pill. Still using nicotine. Cost. May have to wait for insurance approval.

Chewed and "parked" between the cheek and gums. Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

By doctor's prescription or over the counter at local pharmacy or grocery store.

Follows schedule but can use if craving occurs outside schedule. Satisfies oral habit. Allows time to adjust to smoke-free lifestyle by getting off nicotine slowly. No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens.

Possible side effects. Requires attention to regular schedule. Must be chewed correctly. May not taste good. Still using nicotine. Can be addictive. Cost. May have to wait for insurance approval.

Inhaled into mouth or sprayed through nose. Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

By doctor's prescription; through your local pharmacy.

Follows schedule, but can use if craving occurs outside schedule. Inhaler satisfies hand-to-mouth habit, and the need to inhale deeply. No tar, carbon monoxide, or other carcinogens.

Possible side effects. Requires attention to regular schedule. Still using nicotine. Mimics cigarette use. Requires effort to use. May not taste good. Can be addictive. Cost. May have to wait for insurance approval to cover it.

Prescription pill, also known as Zyban™. Can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

By doctor's prescription; through your local pharmacy.

Helps with mood. No tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine, or other carcinogens.

Possible side effects. Start using up to 2 weeks before quitting smoking. Not a magic pill. Cost. Must remember to take each day as directed. May have to wait for insurance approval to cover it.

Gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked or change brand for lower nicotine/tar levels.

Same as cold turkey.

Gradual adjustment to nonsmoker status. Get experience and confidence controlling smoking.

Emotional attachment to last few cigarettes. Not nicotine-free, still a smoker. Hard to maintain low number of cigarettes.

Supportive, one-on-one discussion about motivation and planning.

State Department of Health Services, insurance.

Individual and comprehensive. Convenient and anonymous. Usually free of charge.

May not be available in every state. Need freedom from distraction; privacy. Requires access to a home or work phone.

Supportive face-to-face discussion. Helps you understand how smoking relates to other issues in your life.

Licensed therapist or counselor at hospital, clinic, phone book, through insurance, church.

Individual, comprehensive, one-on-one attention.

Transportation; scheduling. May be expensive unless covered by insurance.

Education on health risks, other aspects of smoking, and how to quit. Support and learning from others.

Health Department, local hospital, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, phone book, online, through insurance...

Education and support.

Have to quit on group or class schedule, not personal schedule. Cost for some; transportation; scheduling. Not tailored to individual needs.

A group (e.g. Smokers / Nicotine Anonymous) for shared discussion and support from others who have quit smoking or are trying to quit.

Phone book, community health programs, hospitals, online, churches...

Support, fellowship, learning from others.

No formal education on smoking or quitting. Transportation; scheduling. Hard to find meetings in some areas.

Working together with a friend or relative who also wants to quit.

Social circle: family, friends, work...

Shared problem-solving and someone to rely on. Someone to keep you in check. Can use in combination with other quitting methods.

Possible conflict. Sabotage. Finding someone who is ready to quit too.

Reach a deep state of relaxation and "openness to suggestion" (e.g. change the way you think about cigarettes).

Licensed hypnotherapist.

Relaxing, soothing. Can use in combination with other quitting methods.

No formal education on smoking or quitting. Cost. Need good hypnotherapist. Scheduling. Return visits.

Fine needles are inserted into various body points. Helps influence your desire for cigarettes.

Licensed acupuncturist.

Natural alternative medicine. Can use in combination with other quitting methods.

No formal education on smoking or quitting. Cost. Need good acupuncturist. Scheduling. Return visits.