It’s crucial to realize that the problem of smoking is not purely one of physical addiction. Aside from the effects of nicotine on your brain, you have developed a habitual behavior. Changing habits–even those which are not addictive in a clinical sense–is a struggle. Ignoring this facet of your challenge will undermine your efforts.

Habitual behaviors don’t usually occur in a vacuum. That is, they are behaviors which are regularly triggered by our surroundings, our other behaviors, and so on. This is why changing your other routines can be so helpful in quitting smoking. Think about the behaviors that you engage in every day, and how they impact your smoking habits. Small adjustments in these behaviors may help more than you expect.

For example, if you generally have your first cigarette of the day with your morning cup of coffee, alter that part of your routine by having a glass of orange juice instead. Or try drinking your coffee at a cafe which doesn’t permit smoking.

If you invariably smoke immediately after meals, finding another behavior to replace that one may help. Make a point of brushing and flossing thoroughly as soon as you finish eating, or have a cup of herbal tea.

These types of changes can supplement the other aids you use, and give you a much needed edge.