Almost all smokers really like having a smoke and, other than for the worry of the hefty price tag, have no real need to quit smoking now. Even though they know that smoking is harming their health there is no need for concern at this point, as they are still full of energy and feeling well. It is almost impossible to encourage a smoker to quit, all the warning messages on the packets, subsidized television commercials, and graphic warnings on billboards have very little affect, because the smoker feels good and he has no intention of giving up the habit.

People who smoke use cigarettes when they are taking a break at work, when they are enjoying a few drinks with their friends, or when a stressful situation takes place and they get the urge to have a soothing cigarette. However, by continually smoking heavily the soothing effect of the tobacco diminishes and the smoker ultimately realizes that he is getting nothing out of smoking apart from a nagging cough and a bad taste in his mouth.

At this stage a smoker may decide to stop smoking, and plans on making the next smoke his last, however he soon finds out that it is not so easy and his last smoke becomes the one before his last. Meanwhile, the intention to stop smoking doesn't seem like such a good idea after all, and the smoker is still addicted to tobacco, possibly even more so than before.

Since smoking is habit forming, those who decide to stop smoking will experience withdrawal symptoms, which usually include stomach cramps much the same as hunger pains, giddiness and a persistent cough. Physical symptoms such as these are also usually accompanied by bouts of tension and uneasiness and an almost uncontrollable urge to constantly fidget.

Quite a few people lose their interest in many activities and become self conscious and cranky. Others react differently and go to great lengths to keep themselves occupied in order to keep their minds off their desire for a smoke. Withdrawal symptoms generally last for about two weeks and get to be fairly intense during the last week.

After two weeks the withdrawal symptoms will have passed and you will have overcome the urge to smoke. Even if you tried a cigarette you would find that it tastes awful and makes you feel dizzy and, as you toss it away, you would secretly wonder why you smoked for so long. Quitting cigarettes will not only lengthen your life span, but you will also begin to feel a lot better in yourself and value some of the good things in life. Your respiratory system will improve and you will be able to taste the things that you eat.

By deciding to stop smoking, a person will soon discover that he is better off no matter how old he is, or for how long he has smoked. His life expectancy will be prolonged from the day that he quit the habit and if he happens to stop smoking before a serious disorder strikes him, his immune system should be capable of defending him from nearly any kind of disorder or infection.