Smokers today have access to different types of stop smoking help like medicines, counseling and self-help materials. These are especially useful for those smokers who find it very difficult to deal with the withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking.

A most useful help is the free telephone counseling service run by different states. These services provide smokers access to trained counselors. The counselors answer all questions raised by smokers, and guide them in building a support network of family and friends. They also tell them about the different kinds of stop smoking treatment, and encourage them to make use of them.

The encouragement and support provided by family, friends, co-workers, also plays a very important role in helping smokers to quit smoking. Smokers can get information about support groups from hospitals, health insurance companies, or even from their employers. However, the most useful help continues to come from skilled counselors, who can guide the smokers well.

Similarly, self-help groups and clinics can help smokers to quit. Studies show that smokers who attend a specialist clinic are four times more likely to succeed in giving up smoking, than those who rely on self-control alone. Some people have benefited from acupuncture and hypnosis, which may be worth trying.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) uses a skin patch, nasal spray, inhaler, chewing gum, or tablets to provide small doses of nicotine. This helps smokers to get over the withdrawal symptoms. NRT may double a smoker's chances of quitting smoking, as compared to those who take no therapy.

Another druf that is gaining popularity is the anti-depressant medicine Bupropion. This chemical is sold under the brand name Zyban, and is the first non-nicotine medication approved by the FDA. The treatment lasts from 8 to 12 weeks and should be started at least a week before the smoker decides to leave smoking.

It is for you to decide which help suits you most.