Like starting a new fitness regime it is also seen as something to build up to - something that's hard work and takes a lot of discipline.

I'm glad to be able to tell you that in my experience if you're finding adult smoking cessation unbearably tough and you're looking for a new solution then you're probably doing it all wrong.

It's hard to convincingly put into words how simple smoking cessation can be if you get the technique right.

I struggled with attempt after attempt and while I once managed to get to 3 months I still always ended up back on the cigarettes.

Yet, without wanting to sound too much like a salesman, eventually I stumbled onto something that worked amazingly well and made giving up smoking a breeze.

OK, so realistically what works and what doesn't?

The less successful methods, ironically, tend to be the more expensive options. The various methods of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for example tend to cost a similar amount to continuing to smoke (there goes the "saving money" argument to quitting smoking!).

They also simply serve to swap the nicotine in your cigarettes for nicotine in other forms (such as a patch) so you're still actually addicted.

Even weeks after you've had your last cigarette - if you have happen to leave home without your latch or run out of gum you'll likely be back smoking within hours.

That's not what I think of as successful adult smoking cessation.

What I came to realise after numerous failed attempts myself was that the core of the problem - the real key to solving your smoking problem rapidly and painlessly - is to focus your efforts on changing the *habit* that makes you want a cigarette.

As pesonal examples I always used to smoke when I was in a bar having a drink. Why? I would also smoke when feeling nervous about a dentists appointment or job interview for example.

Smoking cessation techniques that deal with *why* these situations are the ones to make us want to smoke, and then breaking that behavioural, sub-conscious knee-jerk reaction often work rapidly, painlessly and over the long term.

Indeed, discuss with ex-smokers how they managed to quit and most would admit that their success is down to spending time on modifying their behaviour. Even those who disagree will likely have made some changes without even realising it.

In contrast, ask how many current smokers have tried nicotine replacement and I think the answer will shock you. So many people have tried and failed with NRT that it's quite shocking.

I should say to reassure you that in terms of changing your bahaviour you will still be yourself. We're not talking about changing your personality. I was nervous I would lose those elements that I sub-consciously linked to smoking - the fun, talkative side to my personality. But of course I didn't. The changes are far more subtle and just serve to break the bonds between smoking and why you think you need to do it. You'll barely notice a difference yourself, except that you will suddenly just bot fancy a cigarette.

No stopping yourself having one - you actually just won't want one! Imagine that feeling you get *just after* a cigarette - where you feel fulfilled, calm, happy and don't fancy a smoke - carrying on all day long.

It's an amazing experience!

Today the science of adult smoking cessation using behavioural modification is advanced-enough to have a range of solutions and no doubt one of them will perfectly match both your behaviour and your pocket.