If you’re a smoker, you are already aware of the health dangers of tobacco and are likely concerned about how the habit is affecting your life expectancy. Unfortunately, smoking is not an easy habit to quit. That’s because the nicotine found in tobacco is very addictive.

Many patients find that they are not successful the first time that they try to quit smoking. Whether it’s your first attempt or another attempt out of many, don’t give up. Instead, follow these simple steps to get on the right track.

Decide to Quit

To be successful, quitting needs to be more than just a passive idea. Determine that you are going to quit, and set a quit date for yourself. Once you have decided to quit, you can use all of the resources that are out there for those struggling to break the habit.

Try downloading a smartphone app that reminds you of the money you’ve saved or time you’ve gained by not smoking. And ask your doctor about other helpful tools, like nicotine gum or patches. Once you have your tools set up, you can keep moving forward.

Get a Support System

There are several options for support while you are changing your life for the better. In addition to friends and family members, you can find support from your doctor or a counselor. There are also support hotlines or groups that you can contact. These forms of support serve as reminders of your goal and can help you distract yourself when you find that you are craving a cigarette.

Plan Ahead

Quitting smoking is almost never simple, but you can stay ahead of the game by planning for struggles. If you usually smoke while driving or talking on the phone, keep hard candies or gum stashed nearby that you can reach for. If you find yourself tempted to smoke in certain locations, avoid those spots for now.

Many patients who stop smoking share that they are tempted to start again when they are stressed. And while you can’t avoid stress forever, you can learn other stress management techniques to keep handy.

It won’t be easy, but if you can find the right balance of tools, support, and planning that works for you, you’ll be able to enjoy an extended life and cleaner lungs.