'Cold turkey', refers to a process taken up by a person to help him shun a habit at once. In this process, there is no room for gradually leaving the habit through reduction or by using any kind of alternative. The prospect of this process is not easy as it may seem. How many people do we come across who have tried shunning the habit of smoking and succeeded. Certainly, not many? Records reveal that only 9 out of 90 people succeed in their first try. If you happen to be a smoker, particularly a chain smoker, then you many not deny the fact that the task of keeping yourself away from those puffs is a daunting one. You just can't help looking at those slim beauties, and ignore the thought of kissing them and playing around with the smoke. But at the same time, you cannot ignore the plethora of diseases which you might have to go through if you continue to be in love with cigarettes. Going the cold turkey way to quit smoking, although may be difficult, is an inexpensive method which may help you get over smoking for good. How to Stop Smoking the Cold Turkey Method # You are most likely to smoke when you are stressed or when alone. So, take a break from your work and go for a short vacation. Keeping your mind stress free provides a great deal of help in quitting smoking. The next tip is to know the importance of drinking plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated would reduce the intensity of the side effects which you might experience, when you suddenly stop taking nicotine. Moreover, the water would help to get rid of the impurities from your system. # Another important point to follow to help quit smoking immediately is to keep your mouth busy. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, chew sugarless gum or suck on hard candy. It may sound funny, but sucking on a lollipop also helps. Get some changes in your daily routine. Try new exercises and adding new recipes to your diet. If you are not in the habit of cycling, then consider giving it a start. Develop the habit of reading instead of watching TV. All such changes and the like, would surely help you through the initial stages of quitting smoking by making you feel different. # Not to mention, for the process to work, you need to get rid of your stash of cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home and car. If you find it difficult to do it, then ask your friend or partner to do it. # You can make up your mind to quit smoking as much you can, but if you are not able to avoid situations which may trigger your cravings, then the whole process would be jeopardized. So learn to identify such situations and avoid them. Having said that, it is important to inform your friends and colleagues about your endeavor so they that may offer their support and motivation. Also, prefer going to public places which do not allow smoking. # Besides doing good to your health by not smoking, you are doing good to your pocket too. Start saving the money which otherwise would have puffed into the air with smoke. Why is Cold Turkey Not Always Successful? It is said that quitting smoking is harder than getting over the habit of doing drugs such as heroin. And the 'cold turkey' method is known to be one of the hardest ways to do so, especially with those who have been smoking for a long time. One of the factors which make this method an unsuccessful prospect is associated with the symptoms that arise due to nicotine withdrawal. Common symptoms include:

• increased irritability
• insomnia
• headaches
• fatigue
• stress
• intense craving to smoke

Appetite may increase, accompanied by weight gain, and the individual may get prone to headaches, and experience problems in concentrating. But the good news is, these side effects tend to fade over time. All a person needs to do is to take on the side effects in the early days of the cold turkey process. This would make it easier for him to fight the urge of smoking as time goes by. The result of the cold turkey method depends from person to person. Someone who has not spent much time in smoking may find it easier to quit, while people who are addicted, might have a hard time to get rid of the habit. In short, the more powerful the nicotine dependence is, the longer it takes to shun the habit for good. Apart from all these tips on quitting smoking the cold turkey way, equally important is to get the support of your family and friends. Needless to say, you can expect your good friends, and family to help you with the job whenever you start losing the battle. Most importantly, develop a healthy mindset, and remind yourself of the repercussions you might have to face if you submit to smoking again. To conclude, do not bother about the duration of the process. All you have to be bothered with is sticking to your decision religiously. So take a decision today, give it a try, and hold on to it!