Thinking of quitting smoking in 2009? It isn’t easy, as anyone who has tried can attest.

However, with good advice, plenty of preparation and the support of friends, family and caring professionals, breaking the habit can be easier.

Nicotine is an incredibly addictive drug and the cravings and withdrawal symptoms can overpower even the strongest will. According to Melanie Bishop, bureau director of the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Office of Tobacco Control, getting professional help can make the difference between success and failure.

“Quitting tobacco use can be difficult; however, those who get help are twice as likely to quit tobacco for good,” Bishop said.

“Mississippians who want to quit using tobacco can access free tobacco cessation services by calling the MSDH Quit Line at 1-800-QUITNOW. Tobacco users can receive counseling at no cost, and they may be eligible to receive free nicotine replacement therapies, such as the patch or gum.”

Making a plan and sticking to it is the cornerstone of any successful effort. Choose a day in advance and designate it as your day to quit smoking. Experts suggest that the day you choose should be within a month. If the date is any further out from that then you might be tempted to put it off.

Once you’ve chosen your quit day, let your friends, family and coworkers know and ask for their support and understanding.

Nicotine withdrawl can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, and having a support network around you can help in the difficult days ahead.

Tobacco users may find many of their daily activities were structured around smoking — short breaks from work, having a cigarette after meals and smoking during outdoor events are just a few examples.

Quitting can be easier if you try to keep yourself busy with substitute activities. You might also want to replace your cigarettes with surrogate items like carrot sticks, candy or gum.

Learning relaxation techniques can also be helpful. Try using controlled, deep breaths to calm your nerves. Reward yourself in some way when you make it through tough days with maybe a serving of your favorite snack or a trip to the mall to buy something nice with some of the money you’ve saved by not purchasing cigarettes.

For more information about tobacco cessation, call Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition of Adams and Jefferson counties at 601-818-7748.

Paige Dickey is the director of the Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition of Adams and Jefferson counties.