Quitting smoking is hard. According to scientists, nicotine is the most addictive substance known.

Despite what you see in TV commercials, people who successfully quit smoking have usually tried several times unsuccessfully before they finally manage to quit for good. Yes, there are a few who simply stop one day and never smoke again, but they are rare.

That means doctors should treat smoking as a chronic health problem, not as simply a matter of willpower (or lack thereof). Smokers, especially those who have smoked heavily for many years, may need long-term support to successfully kick the habit that is killing them.

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