Researchers and scientists have a good grasp of the multitude of diseases and illnesses which are caused are significantly linked with cigarette smoking. The cost of these illnesses and conditions runs in the billions of dollars each year for both insurance companies and employers. In an effort to increase the numbers of individuals who are able to quit smoking successfully, many different quit smoking programs have developed over the years.

Some of these programs are online and some of these programs are off-line. Some programs use a common method called “cold turkey” where the individual stops using cigarettes immediately without the aid of any medication or other supported devices, and other programs incorporate the use of medications or alternative medicine products.

Some of the more recent research has shown that it doesn’t really matter which program is used to stop smoking, it is the support mechanism involved which is the ultimate factor in determining whether or not an individual will be successful. The importance to quit smoking, and the impact it has on the overall health of an individual, does not stop after the age of 65. In fact, the ultimate aim of Medicare, used for individuals over the age of 65, is to help seniors quit smoking.

Researchers have learned that smoking cessation is beneficial at any age, even after years of heavy smoking. When individuals stop smoking to significantly impact, and reduce, their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and lung disease. The Medicare stop smoking program was designed to help policymakers identify the best ways in which Medicare could financially cover smoking cessation interventions and not significantly impact not only the health of seniors but also the financial outlay of the Medicare program.

One off-line program that is available is through the Mayo Clinic which offers a nicotine dependence Center and an inpatient program for quitting. They offer individual counseling, an eight-day residential program while individuals are withdrawing from nicotine in a work site program for companies. Although a bit pricey, there reported success rate after one year is very high, at 23 to 45% depending upon the program. These numbers are well above the average rate reported for other programs.

Another inpatient program is run by St. Helena Hospital in California. This residential program runs for approximately 7 days and includes many of the bells and whistles that the Mayo Clinic offers.

If an inpatient stay is not in your budget then you’ll want to check out the support groups offered at Nicotine Anonymous meetings found around the country. These support group meetings include actual warm bodies, which can be more comforting than finding support through the computer screen. The Nicotine Anonymous groups are run on the classic 12 step programs, borrowed from Alcoholics Anonymous. Just like its counterpart, the meetings are free and run entirely by volunteers.

If you’d like to try an online support group they are available for individuals of all ages. Quit 4 life is a program runs specifically aimed at the youth. QuitNet is a huge online site run by Boston University. It has an excellent reputation any successful in support of quitting program who have thousands of successful graduates.

If the computer screen is not your choice but you also are not sure about attending meetings you can investigate the use of free live phone support acts 1- 800 — quit now. Here you can talk with a trained counselor at a friendly staff person who will offer you a choice of free services and help you find support either in your community or through one-on-one counseling over the phone. The National Cancer Institute also offers a smoking quit line at 1-877-44U-QUIT.

The American Lung Association also runs a free popular smoking cessation program that helps individuals stay committed to their goal. They offer assignments and support with the promise that if you complete all the assignments you increase your chances of remaining smoke-free for the rest of her life.

All of these programs are the supportive and of a quit smoking or smoking cessation program. In addition you can speak with your primary care physician about the medications which may be available in order to support your body through nicotine withdrawal. Some medications are skills while others deliver nicotine through a patch. Another option which consists in a slower withdrawal from nicotine are the use of electronic cigarettes. These smokeless cigarettes deliver nicotine into smokers lungs at a reducing rate over time while reducing “smoke” that has no chemicals or toxins.

These are only a few of the current smoking cessation programs that are available throughout the country, and throughout the world. Although smoking has been declining in rates over the last 40 years in the United States the rate of smokers has actually increased throughout the world. Only by offering smokers support, motivation and an adequate reason for quitting are we able to make a significant impact on the health and wellness of individuals throughout the world.