Butt Out: The Proven Quit Smoking Plan

As a recent ex-smoker (6 months and counting, after some 20 years of huffing and puffing), it was actually enjoyable to watch a quitting smoking video for once. Following a brief introduction by former smoker Ed Asner, Butt Out offers an overview of physical, social, and psychological aspects of cigarette addiction (considered as addictive as heroin) and the health hazards involved in smoking (believed to account for some 390,000 deaths per year in the U.S.). Then comes the flat fact: there's no miracle treatment; on the contrary, a smoker's best bet is to bite the bullet and go cold turkey. Fortunately, the physical symptoms of addiction diminish considerably during the first week, and after the first three months the ex-smoker has an excellent chance of staying that way. Butt Out offers good advice on eliminating potential triggers to smoke, discusses coping techniques for staying smoke free, and includes an up-to-date guide of the treatment options available (including nicotine gum and nicotine patches). The best "how-to" on the subject since 1985's Freshstart: 21 Days to Stop Smoking, Butt Out will make a perfect replacement for Freshstart with much more current information. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: Xenejenex, 300 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810; 1-800-228-2495.)