Smoking is an addiction with three parts:

1. Addiction to nicotine.
2. Habit.
3. Feelings.

Some people are addicted in all three ways and some are not. If you find it really hard to give up, chances are you’ve got the lot.

1. Addiction to nicotine

Nicotine is one of thousands of chemicals in cigarettes. It’s addictive and causes most of the withdrawal symptoms you feel when you first stop.

The first thing you should do is consider using nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, which are low cost through the Quitline ($5-10 a month. The usual programme is eight weeks). A second option is to discuss with your doctor if buprpion (Zyban) or nortriptyline may help ease you through withdrawal symptoms.

2. Habit

Habits also create needs or cravings. You have trained yourself so well that you think you can’t do some things without a cigarette. It becomes so automatic you don’t even notice it.

3. Feelings

Feelings are also important. Cigarettes are often connected with moods or feelings. You smoke for pleasure when happy, and for comfort when sad; for a break when tired or for something to do when excited. Being relaxed or bored or any other feeling can have you reaching for a cigarette almost before you notice it. Often cigarettes are used to cover up and uncomfortable feeling too, such as when you’re angry or when you’re nervous.