Cigarettes are made from tobacco and contain nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, arsenic, lead, hydrogen cyanide, and fifty other carcinogens.

Cost of (smoking related) health care for United States amounts to $150 billion per annum. Up to 440,000 Americans die each year because of smoking related ailments. Each and every one of us is forced to inhale second hand smoke, of the approximately 1.1 billion smokers around the globe. With sales up to five trillion cigarettes per annum, tobacco is one of the largest industries in the world. Nicotine addiction is very hard, but not impossible, to get rid of. Following are some useful tips for people who are trying to quit smoking;

• It is very common for smokers to revert back because of lack of commitment. Be fully committed to your goal; quitting cigarettes and smoking. Make a list of benefits of quitting smoking and putting it at a prominent place in your room or office will remind you about why you are doing it every time you crave a smoke.
• There is no right way of quitting smoking as long as you do. For chain smokers, slowly reducing the number of cigarettes may be a better option. On the other hand, quitting abruptly has worked for a large number of smokers around the world. Deliberate and decide the option that works best for you. However, even if you choose the first option, it is important to decide a quitting date.
• Drink lots of fluid such as water, herbal teas, and fresh juices. They help flush out nicotine and other harmful chemicals contained in cigarettes. Avoid coffee, soft and hard drinks as much as possible since they will fuel your urge to smoke.
• Regularly doing breathing exercises for about 10 minutes will help you quit smoking. Breathe slowly and hold the oxygen in for as long as you can. Try doing the breathing exercises in a green environment with your eyes closed.
• Make a list of how you will reward yourself for every milestone you achieve. For example you can treat yourself to a nice meal for every one month anniversary, and plan a vacation with a friend or family member for your one year anniversary. It is important to acknowledge the efforts you have put in for adopting a healthier life style.
• It is a good idea to be aware of what triggers your craving for a smoke. This will make it easier for you to avoid them when possible. If, however, it is not possible to avoid one of more of your triggers, be sure to have an alternative in place to deal with your cravings.
• Schedule a teeth cleaning appointment with your dentist right after you have quit smoking. This will help you enjoy them and strengthen you resolve to keep them pearly white.
• Having a support group or a quitting buddy will make quitting easier and more manageable by cheering each other on and being there to listen to each other every time you experience a craving.