There is a lot one can do to prepare for their quit. Education about the addiction is one key aspect (and yes, some of the elders will be along to give you plenty of resources. I will just share some of what has worked for me thus far (it's been 44 days since I quit).
Follow the quit plan on this site - upper right hand corner "My Quit Plan". This will give you the basis. You need to make a list of why you want to quit. Having quit multiple times over the years, I will say that you have to want to quit for you! Not loved ones, etc. They are certainly part of it, but most importantly, it has to be for you. Track your cigarettes, this will identify triggers (times or situations you normally smoke) and I would suggest that when you smoke, also add how strong the craving was (1-5) and how much did you enjoy it. I tracked my smokes for almost 3 weeks and discovered there really wasn't too many that I really enjoyed. I also made notes of how they made me feel and found that most of the time they made me feel foggy, lightheaded. You'll need to decide whether you want to use an aid, either an NRT or talk to your doctor about Chantix or Wellbutrin. These can help, though many people are successful at cold turkey. Nicotine itself only takes 3-4 days to get out of your system, it's the addiction that's the hard part. You also need to have a plan of things to do to counter the cravings - most commonly - breathe deeply, chew gum, mint, drink water, stay busy.
The most important aspect is attitude - if you "fight" quitting, it is a recipe for relapse. You have to accept it - your mind will give you all sorts of reasons why it wants it's fix. You need the determination to counter those thoughts.
Last of all is support - you're here and this place is a great way to educate yourself, to reach out in those trying times (particularly the first 2-3 weeks) but even beyond that. WELCOME!!
Doug
