There are a number of clinics that offer smoking cessation programs aimed at reducing your nicotine dependency to nil. These programs are handled by trained professionals who spend considerable time counseling smokers.

The smoking cessation programs are usually a week long but some can last a full fortnight or more. The important thing is to identify the right program for yourself. You can do this by talking to the clinic personnel before deciding. The programs are very costly when compared to other treatments. However, they boast of a high success rate.

Initially, the smoking cessation programs help you control withdrawal symptoms with the help of medication. This can be through nicotine replacement therapy or by medication in the form of Zyban. The option is usually left to the person. Both are effective modes of treatment and can help you cope well with the emotionally and physically draining withdrawal symptoms.

An advantage of these programs is that they teach you to deal with the emotional and psychological problems associated with quitting smoking. This is done through therapy and counseling. Smoking addicts are given both behavioral therapy and counseling sessions. The behavioral therapy helps them to handle frustrations, mood swings and unwanted anxiety while the daily counseling sessions talk about the advantages of being a nonsmoker. The sessions usually last for an hour. Group sessions are also held, where ex-smokers can talk about their experiences. These too are quite useful as they motivate smokers to give up smoking.

Most smoking cessation programs have a built in fitness program. Walking, jogging and exercising are a must. It helps you stay fit and keeps your mind away from cigarettes. A number of changes are made to your diet as well. Most clinics suggest a diet that is best suited to your health. The place where you are staying is made smoke free. Constant monitoring is done to keep you away from lighting a cigarette.

Since there are chances of a relapse once you leave the program, the cessation programs provide you with a lot of support material. These include cassettes and CD's that you can play whenever you are feeling low, or are hit by the urge to smoke. Sometimes, the counselors also speak to your family and friends and ask them to help you. Most clinics also send weekly newsletters or semimonthly magazines to keep your motivation going. Some may even consider calling you once a month to keep track of your progress until they are satisfied.

All smoking cessation clinics have a 24 hour helpline. So, whenever you feel depressed or your fingers itch to hold a cigarette you can call the helpline and talk to the counselors. If you fear a relapse then you need to speak to your psychologist. The chances of a relapse are considerably lower when compared to people who try and give up smoking by themselves.

There are also some fake clinics that claim 100% success with almost no relapse cases. This is highly improbable. You should carefully check out all the details about the program and the clinic before enrolling.