I friend of mine at work is really tryin hard to quit smoking. I want to help her out, so, since I'm a non-smoker I'm not sure what really works and what is the best way to handle the situation.

She is worried about going back to it. So far she is on the patch and is madly chewing on cut up straws to similuate the feeling of having something in your hand. I'm sure some of you have had experiences, please share.

I told Bonnie (her name is Bonnie.... ) that she could punch my arm is she gets a little to frustrated.

I don't know, but whatever you find out, TELL MURDOCK He needs to quit, too....again.

I'm in the process. I found the best way is to 'budget' your smokes per day for about 2 or 3 months before going on the patch.

Others have told me that the 'magic pill' (can't remember what it is, but it'* used as an anti-depressant) works the best. Some medical insurance will cover it.

Peer pressure and friendly support are the best ingredients after going on the patch.

Does cold turkey quitting (including the patch and placebos work at all?)

cold turkey doesnt work, i've quit that way three times.
about the best way is to count how many you smoke and try to cut down, at one point i was at 2 packs a day, now 'ive gotten it down to three cigarettes a day..

Dame, that'* exactly where I am now. That 3 cig level is hard to improve on. Sometimes I do only one or two, but it mostly depends on my activity level. If I stay busy, I don't smoke 3.

exactly, a few days ago i forgot to smoke all day, happened to be a busy day
it'* extremely hard to get below three a day, i eat and can't think of anything but "a smoke would be great now"

I'm going to direct Bonnie to this thread...she seems to be doing OK, I hope she'll reach her goal. It must be really hard

I am a former smoker,I had smoked from the age of 15 to 27 :o .Ive been clean for 2 years .I had read this column from Anne landers and that started my journey to a smoke free life .It pointed out the posotive side of quiting,I gave the column to a friend I'll see if he stills has it! -I gave up beer and coffee for three months , That was the toughest battle! There was a ban on smoking in business'* ie:bars and restaurants that kinda helpmed me out aswell.I went cold turkey,I got rid of matches lighters and ashtrays. My social life was non existant for ahwile and spent about 4.8 million on gum and sun flower seed'* .But it was well worth it.I used to drink tobasco like water now i can barely handle it,My taste buds became alive :P .No more yellow teeth ,bad breath or cigarete burns in clothes or carpets. I can also compete in a marathon now where as i couldnt walk up the stairs without breathing hard.I felt so good when my one year aniversary being clean was up I light a stogie .Havent touched a cigarette ,joint,cigar,man not even a peace pipe since. Going cold turkey does work ,Im living proof.

Sunflower seeds help alot. I eat them at work. Between being really busy, and eating those, I don't think about a smoke all day long.