Allow me to be serious for a moment.

Somebody I know has decided to quit smoking, after over two years. While she has been reluctant to do so in the past (because the methods that exist all have specific negative side-effects, or just didn’t work for her), her doctor told her about a new medication from Pfizer, called Chantix. It works by targeting the nicotine-craving parts of the brain directly. Others who had used it have told her the thought of smoking again actually makes them nauseous. She is optimistic that Chantix will work, where others have not.

http://mediaroom.pfizer.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=57

I myself went cold turkey many months ago, and it was no picnic. I compensated for the withdrawal by overeating, and gained a lot of weight as a result. Needless to say, I probably would’ve done it differently if I could do it over again.

So, if there’s anybody you know who’s been either trying or wants to try quitting, and have been skeptics of any other methods in the past, I’d say take a look into this. Everything I hear so far is very positive, the side effects are minimal, and we all know quitting now is the best thing you can do for yourself/everyone you know.

http://whyquit.com/pr/082506.html

This is a site that goes into details on Pfizer’s studies on Chantix, and how comparable it is to other quitting methods (it’s not entirely beaming, either, which makes me more inclined to believe it).

Additionally, there is the issue of affordability (those without prescription plans might be paying quite a bit for this). However, when you consider the high price of cigarettes today, the prescription will eventually be cost-effective.