Many college students use this method despite it being the least effective. "Cold Turkey" means that, for example, if you smoke about 10 cigarettes a day, you go from 10 to 0 in one swoop with no preparation or plan. You just wake up one morning and decide that you've had enough and want to stop. Although deciding to quit is great, this is usually not the best way to go about it.
This means reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke over a period of time. For example you can try only smoking half of the cigarette, waiting longer before starting your next one, or reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke by one each day (i.e. 10 to 9 to 8. . .) This method has its advantages in that you are not going "cold turkey"; however by weaning yourself off the nicotine you are also prolonging your exposure to cancer causing agents and chemicals. Furthermore, this method does not incorporate behavioral skills and cessation techniques needed to ward off smoking triggers and like "cold turkey" lacks a support system.
NRT replaces the nicotine you give up without exposing you to tar, carbon monoxide, and other harmful components of nicotine smoke. It can help ease the symptoms of withdrawal and usually comes in the form of a patch, gum, nasal spray, or inhalant. Some of these are available without a prescription but you should always consult your pharmacist or health care professional before beginning this treatment.
Zyban is an atypical anti-depressant that became available as a prescription drug in 1998. It has been shown to be very effective in helping people quit smoking. It is a non-nicotine medication for people who want to avoid nicotine or have tried NRT unsuccessfully. Zyban is available by prescription only. For more information on whether or not it is right for you make an appointment with your health care provider. Like any drug, patients on Zyban should be monitored regularly.
There are several support groups and resources available.