Ask any ex-smoker or a current smoker who’s tried to quit, and they’ll probably tell you that quitting is one of the most difficult things a person can do. According to a 2011 Centers for Disease Control report, most smokers in 2010 said they wanted to quit while nearly half attempted to. Only 6 percent were able to quit.

So, with the odds against you, how are you supposed to quit smoking? Some are able to do it alone by going cold turkey, but for the majority of smokers, it’s better to have a little help with some of these smoking substitutes.

Nicotine Replacements
If you just can’t seem to get the monkey off your back, you might want to consider slowly weaning yourself off of the addictive nicotine. Nowadays, there are plenty of products that will help you can still manage and gradually lower your nicotine addiction. There are nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, and even nicotine inhalers. While you can buy some of these over the counter, others may require a doctor’s prescription. Even so, it’s best to talk with your doctor anyway to find what works best for your circumstances.

Vaporizers
While e-cigarettes, or vaporizers, are still a relatively new invention, many are crediting them for helping them quit smoking. Because the vaporizer liquid (known as e-juice or vape juice) can be produced with varying amounts of nicotine, you can effectively wean yourself off your nicotine dependency until you’re vaping a nicotine-free solution. Though many have had success with quitting smoking by taking up vaping, it is worth noting that the vape industry is still under-researched and unregulated. Still, many assume vaping to be much safer than smoking.

Alternative Methods
While the legitimacy of alternative medicine might be hotly debated, some people use alternative methods such as hypnosis, laser therapy, and acupuncture to help them quit smoking. Although research on these methods still hasn’t found conclusive results, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Smokefree.gov site lists these options as potential quit methods. Even if you’re a skeptic, it might be worth checking out.

Healthy Foods and Snacks
It’s a cliche that people who quit smoking gain a bunch of weight. There is truth to that, as ex-smokers suffer from a lowered metabolism and many turn to food when they get a nicotine craving. You can feel less guilty about indulging in a nic-fit snack if it’s at least a healthy option. Look at filling, low-calorie whole foods like celery and apples rather than pesky junk food. Chewing sugar-free gum is also a good way to feed your oral fixation habit. And be sure to drink plenty of water; staying hydrated should help with your withdrawal symptoms.

Exercise
When you feel the urge to smoke starting to flare up, it might be time to sweat it out. Exercising gets your heart pumping and takes your mind off your cravings. Plus, it’s good for you and it’s good for your lungs, which need all the retraining they can get. While this isn’t always an appropriate option–you can’t be expected to start busting out some squats in the middle of a workday–simply taking a break and walking for a few minutes may help with your stress.

Some of these smoking substitutes might work for you, and some of them might not. However, the more tricks you try, the better chances you have at giving up the habit for good. Find what works for you, stick with it, and don’t give up! Eventually, you’ll pull through and wonder how you ever lit up in the first place.