Though its name suggests it is far from pleasant, smoking cessation by going “cold turkey” is actually the method chosen by many smokers. If you want to quit smoking, you should at least consider how to quit smoking cold turkey, even if you ultimately choose a slightly different method, or combination of methods, to give up the habit. “Cold turkey” has a long history of how to help quit smoking, and it can be done, as thousands of ex-smokers will attest.

Things You Need to Know

It’s important to know what you’re facing when you learn how to quit smoking cold turkey. First of all, you have to understand that the chemicals in tobacco smoke, especially nicotine, produce effects on your body that your system has begun to depend on. Chills, goosebumps (one possible source of the term “cold turkey”), irritability, and anxiety are just a few of the side effects experienced by some smokers who are trying to figure out how to quit smoking cold turkey.

It’s also important to note that not all smokers experience all side effects from tobacco withdrawal, and a lucky few experience none at all! But if you do start to feel badly while quitping smoking by the cold turkey method, don’t be surprised—and know that you are far from alone.

Things You Can Do to Help Yourself

Learning about how quitping smoking cold turkey can affect you can also prepare you to take some steps to help yourself. One thing that becomes important is drinking lots of water or other healthy, non-caffeinated beverages. This will help your system cleanse itself quicker. Another thing that helps many smokers is keeping their fingers and mouths busy with something besides a cigarette: hard candy, carrot or celery sticks, pens, pencils, or chewing gum.

Sometimes, just the sensation of doing something with yourself besides lighting up can get you through a craving successfully. Other smokers keep a journal or diary of how they quitped smoking cold turkey. Not only does this give you the ability to look back and see how far you’ve come; it also helps you keep track of what your body and mind are doing as you purge the nicotine and its effects from your system.

Get Some Help

There are scores—probably thousands—of support groups, both online and available locally, for people who want to know how to quit smoking cold turkey—or any other way. Sometimes, just talking with an understanding friend or connecting with an online chat group can get you through a tough spot and make the next one a little easier.