Methods to Kick a Smoking Habit from a Former Smoker

As someone who has quit and restarted the nicotine habit many times I thought my experiences with the various methods of quitting might be helpful to others. In no particular order:

The Patch
I used to quip that the only way the patch would work for me is if I put it over my mouth. But the fact is it does a reasonably good job of holding nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms at bay. Upside - it's fairly effective. Downside - it's expensive, causes vivid and sometimes disturbing dreams and, since your body is still receiving nicotine, doesn't really eliminate withdrawal just delays it.

Nicotine Gum/Lozenges
Like the patch, nicotine gum and lozenges combat cravings and withdrawal symptoms by putting nicotine into your body. Really, they are all just alternate delivery systems (but without the harmful tar and other icky stuff in cigarettes). Upside - fairly effective, taken when you feel the need rather than constantly through your skin so no bad dreams, don't leave gummy adhesive marks on your skin. Downside - again, just a delay of withdrawal and they're not cheap.

Zyban / Wellbutrin
The idea behind Zyban is to attack the addiction higher up its 'chain of command' by increasing your brain's natural ability to produce dopamine. Originally marketed as an anti-depressant drug, it is only available by prescription. Upside - although it doesn't work for everyone those who find it effective find it VERY effective, not a delay but an actual elimination of withdrawal. Downside - doesn't work for everyone, some people have had serious side effects from taking it (including seizures), requires a prescription so not cheap.

Hypnosis
Call me a cynic but hypnosis as a method of quitting smoking just seems like a dud to me; I never felt that I went into a trance or that it had any effect at all. Maybe I just needed a better hypnotist! Upside - if it works for you I guess that's all that matters. Downside - I'd say the chances of it working are slight and it costs a lot of money.

So what's my recommendation? Of course everyone is different but for me the most effective method was a combination of Zyban and the patch. The patch allowed me to develop behaviors as a non-smoker and, as I weaned myself off of the nicotine, Zyban eliminated my withdrawal symptoms. I didn't really mind the vivid dreams and I figure the savings from not buying cigarettes will more than offset the costs of quitting.

Good luck and keep trying - you can beat the butt!