Nobody but the sponsors take it seriously anyway. But just in case you were at all concerned about a new study that found that passive smoking isn’t harmful, bear in mind that it was sponsored by major tobacco companies.

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Feel free to greet it with derision. The study has already been dismissed by the medical fraternity, so it has about as much credibility as Iraq’s former information minister.

In any case, the harmful effects of smoking, be they first- or second-hand, are not in dispute. They have been proved many times. Apart from some chronically defensive ones, most smokers accept that there are risks. Many have tried to quit and failed.

Mark Twain’s famous one-liner was, “Quitting is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times”.

So what do you do if you’ve quit dozens of times and failed? Fear not. Here are some ideas and incentives.

Consider your todger. Smoking has far-reaching effects on the male plumbing. It can lead to impotence. Still need a reason?

Consider your kids. Smoking in your children’s airspace is bad for them. Smoking while driving with them may one day be a criminal offence. Still need a reason?

Do a budget. Work out how much your spend on tobacco per week, per month, per year. You might find you can afford to trade in your old Datsun banger for a second-hand sports car with the difference.

Get your partner to team up with you. Do the sums on how much you’ll both be saving. Set up a debit order for roughly that amount and promise yourselves a goal like an overseas holiday with the money. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up.

Spread the word. Set a date for giving up and let your friends know that you’re serious about it. Anyone offering you a smoke pays a forfeit.

Get help. Groups like Smokenders will help put you in touch with people who are in the same situation. Peer pressure can be very powerful.

Have a clean-up. Some doctors say the smell of tobacco in upholstery, clothes and linen can trigger a craving. So set a date to quit and have your car steam cleaned, your suits dry cleaned and your curtains and blinds washed.

Be sensible. Don’t quit when you’re two weeks away from completing your MBA and are stressed beyond all measure. Set yourself a goal: you’ll give up when you can focus on ridding yourself of tobacco addiction. Then do it.

Speak to your doctor. Nicotine patches might help. Also consider complementary medicine. Some smokers have had great success with acupuncture. A narrow needle is inserted into the flesh of the ear, into the pressure points governing the lungs and addiction. The needle can be left in (it’s completely painless) and can be twiddled to stimulate the pressure point when the craving strikes.

And when it does….
Tell yourself you’re not alone. Thousands of people give up smoking permanently. You can too.
Give up one at a time. Abandoning a life-long habit can seem daunting, so tell yourself you’re giving up, one cigarette at a time.
Recite this mantra: each cigarette I smoke narrows my arteries, raises my blood pressure and puts strain on my heart for the next 90 minutes. My body begins to recover within hours of me quitting. - (William Smook)

Read more:
Genes help you quit smoking
Need more reason to quit?

 

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