Most smokers want to quit. While some can white-knuckle withdrawal symptoms and stop “cold turkey,” others need additional support. This is where a doctor can really help.

“For some, smoking is a behavioral issue, while others struggle more with the physical effects of addiction,” says Les Szekely, MD, a pulmonologist at Doylestown Hospital.” I counsel each patient individually to find the best approach.” Here are some tips:

Reality check: A pulmonary function test reveals the effects of smoking on your lungs.

“When I show a 30-year-old that he or she has the lungs of a 50-year-old, they pay attention,” Dr. Szekely says. “It’s a real eye-opener.”

No-Nicotine Prescription Medication: Varenicline is a pill that reduces the urge to smoke by blocking the effects of nicotine on the brain. Bupropion is an antidepressant also prescribed as a smoking cessation aid because it helps balance the chemicals in your brain in a way that reduces the symptoms of withdrawal.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Products that contain nicotine, such as gum, lozenges and nicotine transdermal patches, can be used to ease a person’s dependence on nicotine.

“However, nicotine replacement therapies contain double or even triple the nicotine of cigarettes so it’s really important to cut down or quit smoking while you are using them,” Dr. Szekely stresses.

Cold Turkey: This approach works best for the most self-motivated quitters as well as those who have more of a behavioral addiction than a physical one.

Complementary Therapies: Hypnotherapy and acupuncture are two popular modalities that have helped people quit smoking.

Support Groups and Programs: Visit our website at www.dh.org for a listing of support groups and smoking cessation classes.