text: Cold turkey didn't work? Try these aids to quit smoking
  Editor's note: Second of three parts. The series will continue on this page in June.
  Many of you who smoke and are told you should quit may say, "I've tried it before, many times, and it's just not possible for me," or "Dr. Smith, you have no idea how hard it is to quit this addiction!" You are right. I don't.
  I do, however, have the research and the input of thousands of people who have successfully quit smoking, many who did it after many attempts. I also have many tools to help you quit and the desire to help you make it a reality.
  The first step is recognizing this is an addiction and preparing your body and mind to quit. Find your motivation, create a plan, and set a quit date. Without the desire to quit, any attempt is doomed to failure.
  The "quit cold turkey" method is still a popular and effective method for many. While being the fastest and cheapest method, it also creates the most intense withdrawal symptoms, which will last three-30 days. That is why only 5 percent of those who attempt this method will succeed on any given attempt. Try drinking water or going for a quick walk when cravings strike. Remember, cravings are short-lived; the benefits of quitting last forever!
  If you find yourself in the 95 percent of people who start using tobacco again after quitting cold turkey, consider some other options.
  Nicotine replacement therapy is an effective alternative. Using nicotine patches, gum and lozenges allows you to gently wean your brain off of nicotine, making the withdrawal symptoms less severe. This can increase your chance of success by 50-70 percent.
  In fact, studies have shown that using nicotine patches as well as just a few pieces of nicotine gum each day to help with sudden cravings has the highest chance of success. For those who have tried the patches but still find yourself smoking that after-coffee cigarette, try replacing that cigarette with nicotine gum.
  Many report that nicotine patches and gum are too expensive for them. The truth is, these products cost the same or less than a pack of cigarettes per day. You do, however, have to pay for it all up front.
  Medications are now available to help you quit smoking. Though all are slightly different, they work by altering the positive effect nicotine has on your brain. This effectively "tricks" your brain, making nicotine and smoking much less desirable. This reduces the craving to smoke, making quitting easier.
  Talk to your doctor about which medication may work best for you.
  It is important to remember that there is not a single perfect method that will work for everyone. I cannot tell you which method is right for you. It is also good to know that one out of three people who quit return to their old habits after six months.
  If you have tried to quit and relapsed, you are not alone. But there are more former smokers in the U.S. than there are current smokers — so it's possible. Try again, using a different method. Keep trying until you have quit for good!