Expert: Frank G - 7/23/2003

Question
Dear Frank,
I smoke 4 sometimes 5 ciggs a day but find it impossible to even truly desire to stop.
Any ideas? Would Zyban help? Hypnotherapy?
Thanks & congratulatons on your sucess!
jonm

Answer
Hello John,  I think you are lucky in that you can smoke so infrequently.  Iam glad you have the desire to at least want the desire to quit.

Zyban may help but I would go to your doctor first if you have medical insurance.  You may get a prescription for Wellbutrin which is the same drug and will save you the over-the-counter price.  Zyban (wellbutrin) is actually an anti-depressent that helps people quit without the use of nicotine.

Hypnotherapy could help, I've heard mixed results.

If you are serious, try putting off the next cigarette for 10 minutes or so and practice  doing that.  Try variations with that concept until you can cut your consumption in half and then eliminate it all together.

As far as having a true desire to guit the only thing I can tell you is to just have a look around you to other smokers, especially the long term ones.  Their look and smell is usually very unappealing and the older they get the more objectionable they become.  Ask yourself if YOU want to become as they are.

Good luck John if you have any other questions please feel free to write back.

Frank G