The attempt to stop smoking is a very difficult task. It takes mental willpower and determination just to be able to control the cravings that will accompany the withdrawal stage.

As a smoker cleanses his body from the nicotine that he consumes, the body continues to crave the nicotine that it has become accustomed to. Sometimes it is better to keep track of the cigarettes you smoke for a few days and cut back every three to four days until the need for nicotine is almost gone. This method cuts back on the withdrawals. But in order to quit this way you have to have discipline.

Your craving derives from the amount of nicotine intake that you have worked your body up to. If you can quit cold turkey, within a week you will be passed the withdrawal stage. But in order to become a non-smoker, you will have to fight off the need to smoke.

Some smokers who are in the process of quitting resort to drugs to assist them during the withdrawal stage. You still have to deal with whatever side effects the drugs have after you become smoke free.

Quitting cold turkey is still the best way to quit. Change your habits from when you smoked.