By Melissa F. Pheterson for iVIllage.com
Cold turkey, hypnotism, nicotine-replacement therapies -- find out which path 27 stars took to kick the habit.
Celebs And Smoking: Who Quit And Who's Still Trying?
Jon Hamm(01 of26)
When He Quit: The star of AMC's "Mad Men" quit smoking 16 years ago, at age 24. For his role as the chain-smoking Don Draper, he smokes only herbal cigarettes on set.How He Adjusted: Herbal cigarettes, says Hamm, taste "terrible ... like a mixture between pot and soap," but at least they're a harmless way of conforming to character.An Expert's Take: Though herbal cigarettes are said to contain no nicotine or chemicals, Hamm isn't getting off scot-free when he lights up. "Like regular cigarettes, herbal cigarettes have been found to deliver carcinogens to smokers," says Cheryl Healton, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Legacy. "There is some concern that actors who had previously quit smoking and who now use these herbal cigarettes on set are in fact at risk of relapsing to regular cigarettes."Note: Legacy is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to building a world where "young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit." They offer a free quit-smoking program: Become An Ex.More from iVillage:The 13 Most Dangerous Teen Health RisksGet Your Kid Moving! Homework Dances, Camel Poses and MoreAn A to Z Guide to Heart Health: How to Protect Your Ticker (credit:Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston(02 of26)
When She Quit: The former "Friends" star attempted to break it off with cigarettes four years ago as part of a drastic detox to cleanse her entire system, but she has admitted to puffing the occasional cigarette at night.How She Quit: To help tame her smoking addiction, Aniston reportedly turned to a yoga workout called Yogalosophy that taps into the connection between mind, body and emotion. "It completely changed my life," she's said. "It's one of the most fun workouts I ever had."Our Expert's Take: Yes, cigarettes are toxic -- with every puff, Aniston inhaled carcinogens like benzene and arsenic -- but cleanses "are not recommended treatments for addiction," says Healton. (Quitting itself is a detox of sorts, since carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop to normal in 12 hours.) "Exercise like yoga, on the other hand, is a great way to reduce stress and prevent weight gain associated with quitting smoking," she says, although studies show that most smokers gain less than 10 pounds after they quit. Between one third and one half of lifelong smokers will die from a smoking-related disease. Women who quit in their mid-30s increase their life expectancy by 6 to 7 years. (credit:Getty Images)
Ashton Kutcher(03 of26)
When He Quit: In 2006, the then-host of "Punk'd" (and soon-to-be star of "Two and a Half Men") read a game-changing book called "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" by Allen Carr, joining a celebrity fan club that includes Anjelica Huston and Anthony Hopkins. Carr's method, say devotees, centers on breaking the cycle of fear that prevents smokers from quitting successfully.Why It Worked: As Kutcher related to Jay Leno in 2008, the book actually instructs readers to break for a cigarette at certain points as the author builds his case against nicotine. By the time he'd reached the end of the book, Kutcher was ready to "savor the last puff."An Expert's Take: The blend of "psychotherapy, common sense and hypnotherapy", according to the book's website, may resonate with certain smokers -- but not everyone can become a nonsmoker in the course of a book. "Every smoker who quits does it differently," says Healton, "and they may try eight to 11 times before they finally quit for good." (credit:Getty Images)
Emma Roberts(04 of26)
When She Quit: In 2008, Roberts told WebMD that smoking is "gross" and "smells bad." But a slew of paparazzi photos that show her with a cigarette suggest she's changed her mind.What Her Fans Think: Fans of the "Scream 4" and "Nancy Drew" star have convened in a Facebook group called "Emma Roberts Please Stop Smoking" in an effort to steer the 20-year-old actress toward healthier habits.An Expert's Take: "It is impossible to predict how people will react to 'tough love' tactics like a Facebook group," says Healton. "Emma and her fans should know that surrounding yourself with strong social support ensures that you'll be 50 percent more likely to stay quit." (credit:Getty Images)
Kate Moss(05 of26)
When she quit: Hoping to boost her odds of quickly conceiving a child, the newlywed model, 37, turned to an antismoking hypnotist in London last spring to shake her addiction to nicotine. As she sliced her consumption from 30 to 15 cigs a day, Moss reportedly fixed her wedding day (July 1) as the deadline for quitting.Who she joined: Other former-smoker celebs, like Catherine Zeta-Jones, said they quit smoking out of concern for their children -- though Zeta-Jones appears to be lighting up again.An expert's take: "Quitting to reduce the negative health effects of secondhand smoke on your children can be a powerful motivator," says Healton. "Exposed infants are at a higher risk of SIDS, and young children have a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities. Also, research shows that children of smokers are more likely to take up smoking themselves." That being said, the jury's still out on hypnotherapy. While past studies found insufficient evidence that it works, a recent small study detected early positive results for would-be quitters. (credit:Getty Images)
Kirstie Alley(06 of26)
When She Quit: Alley has quit smoking several times in the past 15 years, only to take it up again. In 2004, after a heart-to-heart with Oprah, Alley quit cold turkey.Why She Relapsed: Recent pics of Alley smoking -- taking up the so-called "nicotine diet" -- have fueled speculation that she reclaimed the habit to avoid the binge eating that would bring back the pounds she shed during "Dancing with the Stars."An Expert's Take: "Smoking to keep weight off is a really bad idea," says Healton. "The best way to lose weight is to decrease calorie intake and increase exercise, and smoking interferes with exercise frequency and efficiency. "If Kirstie's concerned about her appearance, picking up smoking again will negatively impact the health of her skin just as it does every organ system -- increasing wrinkles and the yellowing of fingers and teeth." Plus, new medications and nicotine replacement therapies have been shown to reduce or delay the weight gain that comes with quitting -- usually less than 10 pounds. (credit:Getty Images)
Michael Douglas(07 of26)
When He Quit: After a sobering diagnosis of advanced throat cancer last August, Michael Douglas vowed to scrap his smoking habit. In January, he declared himself cancer free. Yet, recent paparazzi photos appear to show Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones -- who reportedly quit five years ago -- smoking cigarettes while on vacation.Who He's Joined: Like Douglas, Christina Applegate was caught smoking after entering the ranks of cancer survivors. A 2009 photo triggered a backlash against Applegate, whose breast cancer led to a preventive double mastectomy the year before. "I'm a human being and I make mistakes," she told Women's Health. "[Not smoking] is always a struggle."An Expert's Take: "It can be shocking for fans to see photos of celebrities who have been vocal about their battles to beat cancer appearing to be lighting up again," says Healton. "Unfortunately, even a health scare like cancer may not be a match for the power of nicotine, which can be just as tough to quit as heroin or cocaine." Research shows that in the United States, smoking rates among cancer survivors are similar to rates among those who have never battled cancer. (credit:Getty Images)
Gisele Bundchen(08 of26)
When She Quit: The Brazilian supermodel gave up cigarettes in 2007, as part of her New Year's resolution to be healthier.What Happened: Afterward, she packed on about 15 pounds. "Food tastes better than when it tasted like (an) ashtray," she told British GQ.An Expert's Take: "It's true that after quitting, your senses of taste and smell return so you can enjoy food again," says Cheryl Healton, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation. "The good news is that studies have shown that most former smokers gain less than ten pounds. Plus, some medications and therapies have been shown to reduce or delay weight gain." (credit:Getty Images)
Charlize Theron(09 of26)
When She Quit: In 2006 with the help of a hypnotist. The model-turned-actress then embraced a new healthier lifestyle with pilates and yoga.How Much Did She Smoke? At one point, Theron smoked up to three packs a day to cope with stress, according to Britain's Mirror newspaper. After quitting, she replaced smoking with exercising to tackle anxiety.An Expert's Take: "I was once a three-pack a day smoker too, so I understand how tough it must have been for Charlize to quit," says Healton. "Stress is a major trigger for smokers, and using exercise as a stress reliever is a healthy alternative. To prevent you from giving up and smoking at the first sign of stress, use a medication such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) -- like the patch, gum or inhaler." (credit:Getty Images)
Whoopi Goldberg(10 of26)
When She Quit: In the fall of 2007, the actress declared on "The View," the daily TV show she co-hosts, that she was going to quit as a Christmas gift to herself. She announced that she would try the prescription drug Zyban. Goldberg gave herself a month and a half to start the pills and prepare herself mentally.Her Wakeup Call: Says Whoopi: "I saw this commercial where these little kids were lying in bed ... and one of the kids breathes and the smokes comes out. Something about seeing those little kids exhale that smoke made me think, 'OK, Whoop, maybe it's time to stop.'"An Expert's Take: "Zyban, also known as Wellbutrin, is a non-nicotine prescription medication that helps smokers to quit," says Healton. "It isn't an nicotine replacement therapy product like the gum or the patch, but it does have an effect on the smokers' brain receptors, through a chemical associated with the pleasure of smoking."Update: Goldberg may have picked up the habit again. On a February episode of "The View," she denounced New York City's smoking ban in parks and other outdoor locations, saying: "I'm smoking my cigarette." (credit:Getty Images)
Matt Damon(11 of26)
When He Quit: In 2004, with the help of clinical hypnosis.His Wakeup Call: The "True Grit" and "30 Rock" actor vowed to torch his 20-year habit after seeing photos of himself smoking a cigarette and realizing how disgusting it was. "Once you realize the consequences, it's no longer an option for you to smoke. I think that applies to any addiction," he told Parade magazine.An Expert's Take: "Seventy percent of smokers want to quit, and may try up to 11 times before they finally quit for good, so you should not be alarmed if you relapse," says Healton. "My motto is 'Quit early and often' -- don't wait for New Year's to try again. Nonetheless, hypnosis is not currently supported by research evidence as an effective method to quit smoking." (credit:Getty Images)
Jon Stewart(12 of26)
When He Quit: In December 2000.He Started Early: Having picked up the habit at 15, Stewart, host of "The Daily Show," explained on "Primetime Glick" why he had smoked for so long: "I used cigarettes to fill a void," he said. "It was an activity that I did to make myself feel better." Reportedly, he keeps a gumball machine near his desk to outsmart his nicotine cravings.An Expert's Take: "Nearly 80 percent of smokers began before the age of 18, so it is not unusual for youth to start smoking at an early age," says Healton. "Smoking sends a spike of nicotine to your brain, releasing chemicals that give you a feeling of pleasure. Having a coping strategy -- like keeping gum at hand -- is a smart way to stay ahead of and ward off cravings." (credit:Getty Images)
Kelly Ripa(13 of26)
When She Quit: The co-host on "Live with Regis and Kelly" and mother of three first quit when she started having children, but picked up the habit again while shooting the ABC sitcom "Hope and Faith." After co-star Faith Ford encouraged her to quit again in 2006, Ripa replaced the cigarettes with exercise five times a week. "It was a matter of replacing one ritual with another," she confessed.Her Motivation: She told Self magazine in February 2007 that she quit smoking because of a fear of cancer and wrinkles.An Expert's Take: "Kelly was smart to quit for health reasons. Lung cancer, not breast cancer, is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Her concern about wrinkles, yellowing teeth and fingers are valid: Smoking negatively impacts the health of the skin as it does every organ system," says Healton. (credit:Getty Images)
Courteney Cox(14 of26)
When She Quit: 1998How She Quit: The "Scream 4" star traveled to Massachusetts with her then-fiance David Arquette to visit hypnotist Yefim "The Mad Russian" Shubentsov, a self-proclaimed "eraser" of addictions.An Expert's Take: "Right now, we have insufficient evidence to support hypnosis as a treatment for smoking cessation," says Healton. "For both Courteney and her husband [who recently announced their separation], stress from a divorce or separation could threaten a relapse -- it does for many who've quit. "In a laboratory study, following a stressor, subjects were less able to resist smoking, smoked more intensely and perceived greater satisfaction and reward from smoking." (credit:Getty Images)
Ben Affleck(15 of26)
When He Quit: In 2005 using hypnosis (like his BFF Matt Damon).His Reason to Quit: After two decades of the nasty habit, Affleck smoked his last cigarette on Nov. 10, 2005, shortly after he discovered wife Jennifer Garner was pregnant with their first child, Violet.An Expert's Take: "It is terrific that Ben Affleck has quit -- not only for his own health but for those around him," says Healton. "The Surgeon General has advised that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, especially not for children. "Infants are at a higher risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Young children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities. And perhaps most important of all, research shows that children of parents who smoke are more likely to smoke themselves. "Regarding the fact that he quit with his best friend Matt Damon, we always suggest that smokers try to quit with a friend. Surrounding yourself with strong social support ensures that you'll be 50 percent more likely to stay quit." (credit:Getty Images)
Ashley Greene And Nikki Reed(16 of26)
When They Quit: The pair of "Twilight" actresses decided to quit smoking in 2009 to set a positive example for their teenage fans.How They Did It: By ditching cigs and using something called SmokeStiks, an electronic cigarette that lights up when puffed, without smoke.An Expert's Take: "I applaud Ashley and Nikki for recognizing that they are role models," says Healton. "Exposure to pro-tobacco marketing and media increases the odds of children and adolescents having a positive attitude toward tobacco use by 50 percent. And 12 hours after quitting, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal." (credit:Getty Images)
Drew Barrymore(17 of26)
When She Quit: In 2001 after going to addiction buster-to-the-stars Yefim "The Mad Russian" Shubentsov.What Motivated Her to Quit: A self-described "smokaholic" who tried her first cigarette at age 10, Drew finally decided to quit after realizing smoking's side effects on her health and mood. "I went to the Mad Russian and whatever it is that he does -- it works."An Expert's Take: "I started smoking a year before Drew," admits Healton, "and we unfortunately have a lot of company. In fact, 73 percent of youth smokers began smoking before the age of 14. The majority of smokers begin before age 18 (nearly 80 percent). Youth also have higher rates of failure when attempting to quit, in comparison with adult smokers. Only 4 percent of smokers aged 12 to 19 quit per year."
David Arquette(18 of26)
When He Quit: The actor stopped smoking in 1998 after seeking out Yefim "The Mad Russian" Shubentsov with then fiancee Courteney Cox.He Didn't Do It Alone: Whitney Smith, Arquette's assistant, said in 2001, "They [Courteney and David] knew they'd both have to do it together because it is hard for one person in a relationship to quit. So whatever it is this guy did, it worked, because to date they are two years smoke-free."An Expert's Take: "It is terrific when your spouse will quit with you. A national study found that having a spouse who has previously quit smoking is also associated with higher rates of quitting, compared with cases where the spouse continues to smoke. "My hope is now that they've separated, they will stay quit for the sake of their daughter," says Healton. (credit:Getty Images)
Christy Turlington(19 of26)
When She Quit: After trying acupuncture, the patch and hypnosis, Turlington quit cold turkey in 1995.She Started as a Teenager: Like many models, Turlington started smoking young -- at 13. After a diagnosis of early-stage emphysema at 31, she tried several methods before realizing she "needed to do it alone -- when the time was right" for her. She promotes a smoke-free lifestyle in memory of her father, who died of lung cancer, and has founded the quit-smoking website SmokingIsUgly.com. An Expert's Take: "Emphysema - which occurs when the air sacs at the end of your smallest air passages are destroyed -- is a factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that limits the flow of air when you breathe out," says Healton. "There is a relationship between active smoking and COPD, and the risks for COPD decline when you quit." (credit:Getty Images)
Vince Vaughn(20 of26)
When He Quit: The actor, who recently starred in "The Dilemma," went cold turkey in 2005.Why He Started Smoking: Vaughn started smoking at age 24 because he didn't want it to look fake when he smoked in his movies. His dedication led to addiction. But he knew that quitting was the only way to get his mojo back. "I was up to two packs a day, I'm coughing, my eyes are red, I don't have energy, I'm not even enjoying it, so I just said, 'That's it,'" he told the New Zealand Herald in 2005.An Expert's Take: "Good for Vince! Movies with smokers recruit 180,000 new teen smokers a year. While research shows the majority of smokers try to quit cold turkey, on any given quit attempt, only three to five percent of smokers who quit cold turkey are successful long-term. In another study, it was found that for smokers, the smoking-cessation television advertisements perceived most effective were those that used graphic images to show the physical consequences of smoking," says Healton. (credit:Getty Images)
Mel Gibson(21 of26)
When He Quit: Some sources say he quit in 2006; others in early 2010, resolving to be around to watch his baby daughter, Lucia, grow up.He Didn't Love It: Gibson, who starred in "The Beaver" this summer, tasted his first cigarette when he was 9 years old. "Since then I haven't made a single decision" without having one in his mouth, he says. "It was hellish."An Expert's Take: "Like Mel, I smoked my first cigarette at nine and like me, Mel needed to quit for his health and for the sake of his children," stresses Healton. "Secondhand smoke exposure can be particularly damaging for infants and children, whose respiratory rates are higher than those of adults. It contributes to increased risk of lower respiratory illnesses, middle ear infections, cough and wheeze, and persistent adverse effects on lung function across childhood." (credit:Getty Images)
Brad Pitt(22 of26)
Did He or Didn't He? Pitt put away his cigarettes in 2004 to get in shape for his role in Troy, but he resumed smoking after filming. In 2005, People magazine reported that Angelina Jolie was encouraging him to stop, and the actor confirmed to W Magazine that he did it for his kids. An Occasional Smoke Pitt reportedly still sneaks a smoke once in a while, behind Angelina Jolie's back. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor admitted, "Actually, I'm less worried about the paparazzi catching me than someone, ahem, who doesn't know I still smoke once in awhile." (A photographer recently caught him with a cigarette in hand.)An Expert's Take: "Smokers who try to quit often relapse, taking them between 8 and 11 attempts before they are successful, so Brad shouldn't feel he has failed; he should just try again," says Healton. "Similar to other drug addictions, nicotine dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder and may require repeated treatment and multiple quit attempts. For the sake of his family, he needs to quit. "Some of the toxic substances contained in secondhand smoke include arsenic (used in pesticides), lead (formerly found in paint), chromium (used to make steel) and cadmium (used to make batteries)." (credit:Getty Images)
Julianne Moore(23 of26)
When She Quit: Around 1991, unhappy with herself for turning to cigarettes as solace from problems.The Benefits of Quitting: Feeling as though she "woke up" after quitting, Moore, who is currently starring in "Crazy, Stupid, Love," believes that kicking the habit made her a better actress and a better person.An Expert's Take: "For smokers, quitting is the number one thing you can do to improve your health," says Healton. "About 90 percent of lung cancer deaths among U.S. women smokers are attributable to smoking. "Women who start to smoke when they're young increase their risk of breast cancer by 20 percent, and many years of heavy smoking ups that risk to 30 percent." (credit:Getty Images)
Ellen Degeneres(24 of26)
When She Quit: Tried going cold turkey unsuccessfully in 2005, then quit in 2006 after hypnotist, Paul McKenna, appeared on her daytime talk show.An Emotional Reaction: After putting her in a hypnotic state, McKenna asked Ellen to think about lighting up again. She began to cry in shame and frustration. McKenna told Ellen that cigarettes tasted like spicy licorice coated with hair from the floor of the barber shop, and that she'd never again accept a cigarette. Three days later, Ellen exclaimed: "I feel so good. I feel healthier! It seems ridiculous but my skin looks better."An Expert's Take: "Ellen is a remarkable example and I'm thrilled she has quit," says Healton, who cites the openly-gay comic's potential as a role model. "On her show, she often talks about the negative effects of smoking -- and she needs to continue to do so. The latest research indicates a wide range of smoking prevalence for LGBT adults, ranging from 25 to 44 percent among the different subgroups, which is much higher than the national average of 20 percent." (credit:Getty Images)
Barack Obama(25 of26)
When He Quit: A smoker since his teenage years, Obama told the Chicago Tribune in 2007 that his wife Michelle "allowed" him to run for President only if he gave up smoking. By 2009, he told McClatchy Newspapers that he was "95 percent cured," but still succumbed to temptation when his family wasn't looking. Last year, Obama told reporters he had quit but still sneaks an "occasional" cigarette.Nicotine Substitute: To break the habit, Obama has used nicotine gum -- "which tastes like you're chewing on ground pepper, but it does help," he has said.An Expert's Take: "As President, Barack Obama is a powerful role model," says Healton. "He has reportedly used products such as gum, which together with the patch and lozenges are among the first-line treatments recommended for all smokers. When used as directed, they can double a smoker's chances of quitting versus cold turkey."Update: In February, the First Lady told the press that the President has successfully quit smoking. (credit:Getty Images)
Katherine Heigl(26 of26)
When She Quit: A work in progress. The actress has tried to quit numerous times, using the patch, the gum and the smoking cessation drug Chantix, but to no avail. Heigl, who will star in "New Year's Eve" later this year, has also tried an electronic cigarette, which only yields water vapor when exhaled.Does It Work? The FDA's analysis of electronic ciggies detected toxic chemicals (like the ones used in antifreeze!) and other carcinogens.An Expert's Take: Healton says there's not enough research to puff e-cigarettes with confidence. "Until they are proven safe and effective, we in the public health community have called for their removal from the market."More from iVillage:The 13 Most Dangerous Teen Health RisksGet Your Kid Moving! Homework Dances, Camel Poses and MoreAn A to Z Guide to Heart Health: How to Protect Your Ticker (credit:Getty Images)
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