The availability of nicotine replacement therapy may greatly increase your chances of kicking the smoking habit, said an expert in the field of smoking cessation.

"The best advice I can give to smokers interested in quitting ... is to take it seriously," said Dr. Saul Shiffman, director of The Smoking Research Group at the University of Pittsburgh. "A person has to set his or her mind to quitting. That determination ... will eventually lead to success.

"Smokers can quit successfully if they are prepared," continued Shiffman. "And now, smokers have increased access to nicotine replacement therapy quitting aids. They provide just enough nicotine to help relieve nicotine cravings -- without the harmful ingredients in cigarettes -- thus allowing people to concentrate on changing their behaviors."

Shiffman offers 10 tips for individuals who are trying to stop smoking. They are:

Consider smoking habits. Evaluate why and when you smoke. If you have attempted to quit before, what has kept you from succeeding? These answers may reveal to you the best way to go about quitting.

Create a method to success. Consult a pharmacist or other healthcare professional about your plan and what will work best for you. Explore the options presented to you.

Inform everyone around you what you are trying to do. Let them know how they can support you and don't be afraid to ask for their help.

Designate a buddy. Choose a former smoker if possible — he or she will know what you are going through. The next best choice would be a present smoker — someone who wants to quit with you. Someone who has never smoked may not know what you are going through. Don't be afraid to tell this buddy what is and is not helpful to you.

Choose a method. Nicotine replacement therapy is available without a prescription.

Find a support group. Try to enroll in a group before the day you attempt to quit. It will be beneficial to have this support in place before the day that you actually stop smoking.

Eliminate any triggers. Get rid of cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and anything else that might make you want to smoke. Clean your home, clothes, office and car to remove all smells of smoking.

Avoid situations where you will want to smoke. If going to a bar or restaurant makes you want to smoke, ask your friends to remind you not to smoke. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Try to engage in non-smoking activities.

Continually remind yourself of your reasons for quitting.

Reward yourself. What you are doing is not easy but every smoke-free day is good for your health.

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