The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quitting Smoking Book

For those who feel idiotic for developing a smoking habit in the first place, the thought of quitting may seem even harder to fathom. But take heart: Lowell Kleinman, M.D., a family physician and smoking-cessation specialist (alias "Dr. Quit") teams with Deborah Messina-Kleinman, M.P.H. (who sports an equally impressive smoking-cessation résumé) to hoist smokers up and over the many habit-breaking hurdles ahead. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quitting Smoking begins with a close look at the smoker's world: how the habit begins, the physical and psychological pros and cons of nicotine, and why quitting hurts. The next section provides excellent information on cessation tools (nicotine patches, medications, support groups, acupuncture, hypnosis), the frightening anatomy of a cigarette, and work pages to help you customize a quitting strategy. Then it's time to quit. A seven-day countdown to Quit Day helps smokers develop an accountability network, focus on their goal, even to make plans for all the money they'll save. Special attention to the first 24 smoke-free hours addresses cravings and how to beat them; the 48-hour check-in delves into withdrawal, focuses on the physical benefits already taking place, and encourages healthy rewards. Throughout the book, the authors provide "smoke signals" (quick definitions of terms related to smoking), often surprising nutshell statistics called "pack facts," and excellent written exercises charmingly titled "buttkickers." But perhaps most helpful are the Kleinmans' true understanding and advice regarding the dark side of quitting: depression, anxiety, and weight gain. Pages of warm encouragement are accompanied by multiple proven techniques to conquer these and other quitters' enemies. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quitting Smoking can be applauded for its somewhat humorous yet quite intelligent approach to a dead-serious topic. --Liane ThomasRead More