Health

Quitting smoking is tough, but getting to the point where you're ready to quit is half the battle. According to government estimates, about 70% of current U.S. adult smokers want to kick the habit—but smoking is a hard habit to kick.

Comprehensive dental work gave Sharmil Hassan the motivation to quit successfully. "On my last visit to my parents in South Africa, I decided to have some dental work done while on vacation there," says Hassan. "I wanted my teeth to remain as white as I could possibly get them, so I had the dentist give me a rather long and thorough—and painful—ultrasonic cleaning."

Changing up your routine can also help keep cravings at bay. "I knew that not smoking while driving would be my hardest obstacle in kicking the habit, so I would carry a bottle of water with me in the car," says Stacey Massaglia, 34, of Mount Juliet, Tenn. "I would drink the water as I drove."

Research shows that support systems—like behavioral therapy or counseling—are effective ways to supplement nicotine-replacement products or non-nicotine medications. And support from family and friends is crucial. Spread the word that you're quitting and consider asking other smokers in the family to join you.

You might also find support by seeking out group meetings or classes near you. One Nicotine Anonymous member told Health.com that he attended sessions for nearly eight months while he tried to quit. "It was challenging each week admitting I was still smoking, but I was always accepted, always understood," he says. "The experience and encouragement of other members helped bring to me a new willingness to let go of nicotine. Using the tools of this program I was finally able to recover a life without nicotine. It’s a gift I never take for granted."