Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Tobacco is a known risk factor for multiple cancers, heart disease, stroke, pregnancy complications, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and many other diseases. Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that often requires repeated interventions and multiple attempts to quit.

Effective treatments exist that can significantly increase rates of long-term abstinence. A combination of counseling and medications is more effective than either used alone. All of the following suggestions can be used together and show an increased rate of success:

1. Seek support through Smoking Cessation groups

Combining counseling with other quitting strategies is the most effective. Two counseling components that are especially effective are behavioral counseling (e.g., problem-solving skills training to thwart cravings) and social support. There is a strong correlation between the support group intensity (length and number of counseling sessions) and quitting success. If a smoker cannot find in-person support groups, there is a national network of quitlines available 24 hours a day at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

2. Avoid friends who smoke

Many of the patterns and triggers formed around smoking can be just as habit forming as the smoking itself. Many smokers do so socially. During the quitting phase it is best to avoid friends who smoke or who are associated with smoking. Find other ways to socialize and ask that friends who are still smoking do not do so while they are around you.

3. Clean your clothes and car

While you are still smoking you may not notice how much the smell can linger in soft surfaces, especially clothing and car interiors. Once you quit, the smell can be triggering. Give all clothes a wash and have your car cleaned and detailed. Not only will this remove the smell, but it can feel like a fresh start to have everything clean and can help prevent you from smoking in order to keep the car smelling fresh and clothes free of odors.

4. Rid home of smoking paraphernalia

Get rid of everything that is associated with smoking that is around the house. These items can give a visual cue to crave tobacco. Giving in and smoking also becomes much more difficult if there are no lighters, ashtrays or other smoking paraphernalia around the house.

5. Use nicotine replacement products

There are five nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) available for smokers over 18 years of age; nicotine patches, lozenges, gum, inhaler and nasal spray . All nicotine replacement products help quit smoking. Combining two drug treatments such as a long-acting nicotine patch with a short-acting formulation (e.g., nicotine gum or lozenge) is the most effective and can be used right away when quitting smoking.

Quitting smoking can be difficult, but it is not impossible with the right tools and techniques. Quitting smoking is the single best thing to do for your health. If NRT is expensive, there are quit smoking patch coupons that can help defray the cost. Many insurance plans will cover the cost of nicotine replacement products if prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. With a plan in place, strong support, and medications, quitting smoking can be in reach.