If you are not ready to quit smoking, you can reduce your smoking related health risks by controlling the amount you smoke. In fact, controlled smoking can be part of the quitting smoking process.

Cutting down on the number of cigarettes smoked is not enough. You must also be aware of how you smoke. As smokers cut down on the number of cigarettes they smoke they modify how they smoke to get more nicotine from each cigarette.

Use the following tips to control the amount you smoke. Some may be easy for you to implement and others may be more difficult. Work at your pace and make changes when you are ready to make them.

• Reduce the number of times a lit cigarette comes in contact with your lips.
• Reduce the amount of time in which you draw air through the cigarette.
• Reduce the amount of smoke you draw into your lungs.
• Increase the time between cigarettes.
• Reduce the number of cigarettes smoked.
• Switch to a brand with 50% less nicotine than your current cigarette.
• Reduce the amount of each cigarette smoked.
• Stop buying cartons. Buy single packs.
• Smoke the last cigarette in one pack before buying the next pack.
• Stop carrying cigarettes. Leave them in inconvenient places.
• Make your house off limits for smoking. Go outside to smoke.
• Chew gum, candy, licorice sticks, toothpicks, carrots, celery.
• Record the number of cigarettes smoked and display it daily.
• Increase your physical activity.

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