There are many different methods that people use to give up smoking. It is common for people to use a nicotine replacement where they continue to get a nicotine fix but without actually smoking. As nicotine is the addictive item in cigarettes, it can help to break the habit by reducing the amount of nicotine at the same time as not smoking. Many people find that giving up with no replacement very hard. A few people manage it, but there is no weakness associated with using something to help you, at least you are wanting to try to give up smoking.
An alternative to nicotine replacement is Champix. This is something which you will have to get on prescription form your GP. It is a 12 week treatment which helps to reduce cravings for nicotine and eliminates the withdrawal affects you get from cutting down on it. You tend to start taking it before you give up smoking, increasing the dose while reducing the amount of cigarettes until a week or two has passed and you are no longer smoking. It can cause nausea and sleep disturbances but is something that many people find is effective.
One very good thing about Champix is that it makes smoking less pleasurable. This means that once you are on a full dose of it, if you relapse, then you will not enjoy the sensation as much as you may have expected to have done. This could make a huge difference if you do get tempted. It will make you not enjoy the cigarette you are having, but could also change your perception of cigarettes so next time you are tempted you may decide not to go ahead.
It is more effective for some because they do not like the idea of reducing nicotine without something to replace it with or just find it too difficult to give up that way. There is no shame in going to your GP and explaining that you have tried many methods to give up and think this one might be better. They will have come across many people who have struggled to give up smoking and may have even had trouble with it themselves. They will not judge you, in fact they will be pleased that you are willing to give something a go.
There are other non nicotine drugs such as Zyban, but they can have more side effects and are not suitable for everyone, which is why it is best to consult with a GP.