One month later: Everyone but Ann is smoke-free (she plans to try again), with Sharon having gone the longest—four weeks. Okay, Lisa slipped once. "But smoking didn't make me feel better," she says. "As a matter of fact, it gave me a headache and nausea." And both Linda and her husband have stopped—double good news, says Dr. Schroeder. Even with all the quitting treatments available, he says, "changing your environmen—beginning to live like a nonsmoker—is one of the most powerful ways to kick the habit."

Note: Dr. Schroeder's suggestions should not be considered medical advice. If you need medical help to quit smoking, consult your physician.