If you’re a smoker, deciding to quit is one of the best decisions you’re ever likely to make. While it’s far from easy, the ultimate benefits – to your health, lifestyle and hip-pocket – are more than worth it. There are numerous products on the market to help you quit smoking, and many people swear by quitting gradually. Quitting smoking cold turkey, however, is commonly acknowledged as the most effective method of kicking the habit once and for all.

Why Go Cold Turkey?

It’s a common belief that smoking is as much about environmental and behavioral cues as physiological addiction. Quitting abruptly makes it easier to break out of old behavior patterns you associate with smoking, as old reminders such as cigarette packets or ashtrays won’t be around. Additionally, while detoxifying your body from long-term nicotine use is unpleasant, it’s better and easier to get this process over and done with quickly rather than dragging it over days or weeks as you gradually cut down your nicotine intake.

How To Prepare Yourself

Set a ‘quit day’ at least a week ahead, to allow time to psyche yourself up. Tell your family and friends of your intentions to quit. This is both so they can offer support and encouragement to help you quit smoking, as well as providing an explanation in advance if you’re hard to live with for a few days! Make sure to get your timing right. If you’ve got a stressful time coming up, or know that you’ll be celebrating and/or drinking in the near future, perhaps it’s not the best time to quit. Equally, if you’re on holidays, having a lot of time on your hands can make quitting and handling cravings more difficult. As mentioned earlier, addressing behavioral and environmental cues is also an integral part of quitting smoking. Begin by ridding your house of cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays. For the first few days, try and avoid people who smoke; if you can’t, stay away from them when they light up. If possible, don’t plan outings to the pub, parties or other places where you would otherwise be tempted to smoke.

How To Handle The First Few Days

Change your routine if possible, as this can really help you quit smoking. If you usually light up when drinking coffee on your verandah, for example, sit inside instead. If you have a glass of wine and a cigarette after dinner, go for a brisk walk or make a phone call instead. The mood swings and irritability of the first few days can also be extremely difficult for you and those around you. Give yourself permission to walk away from a potentially explosive situation; use an outlet such as a treadmill or punching bag; take a deep breath and count backwards from 10. Know what brings you back from the brink of losing your temper, and do it.

Where To Get Help To Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

Make an appointment with your GP prior to your quit day. They’ll be more than willing to offer you advice and help to quit smoking. The internet is also a great source of support, both in terms of information and tips to quit smoking, as well as support from people who have quit before or who are currently sharing the same journey.