IT'S the time of year when people are pacing themselves through that last packet of cigarettes before midnight strikes to signal the start of the New Year - and the beginning of their new life as a non-smoker.

Without wanting to disappoint people, most who decide to give up are going to fail, according to national surveys.

Research has shown that currently, nearly nine out of 10 UK quitters rely on will-power alone - a strategy which can make the difficult task of overcoming their addiction even harder, and a third of quitters will have been tempted back to smoking within a week.

Healthcare company Smith Kline Beecham suggests smokers will have more success if they turn to one of the many nicotine replacement aids or other therapies for help.

The company has helped fund a study into the different nicotine replacement therapies by Professor Gordon McVie, director general of the Cancer Research Campaign, which may help people stick to their New Year's resolutions and help cut down the number of deaths caused by smoking.

For those who haven't already thought about giving up smoking, this may prompt a change of heart.

Prof McVie says: "Cigarette smoking is the single largest cause of preventable disease and premature death in the UK.

"The result of this expensive habit is the death of one in five people in the UK. This equates to approximately 120,000 tobacco-related deaths per annum, or more than three million over the next 30 years."

He said smoking also causes 83% of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema and a quarter of all strokes.

He added: "The fact that these deaths could be prevented highlights the urgent need for effective smoking cessation support. The good news amid these shocking statistics is that two-thirds of all smokers in the UK want to quit. The challenge is to convert this desire to want to stop smoking into a successful quit attempt."

So for anyone thinking of going cold turkey and struggling alone, the advice is don't bother. Nicotine is an addiction and many smokers experience severe cravings.

For those wanting a direct nicotine replacement, there are currently five choices all of which are available over the counter and work by gradually reducing the dose:

Nicotine chewing gum. The nicotine enters the body by being absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Nicotine patches worn for either 16 or 24 hours.

Nicotine nasal spray. Nicotine solution sprayed into the nostril provides the most rapid nicotine absorption.

Nicotine inhalator resembles a cigarette holder and releases nicotine vapour in a cartridge.

Nicotine lozenges, work in the same way as chewing gum.

According to the report, trials of all these products have been shown to increase people's success rates.

Report co-author Dr Karl Fagerstrom adds: "The importance of willpower and commitment from the individual trying to quit should not be underestimated. Both NRT and non-nicotine therapy appear to double the quitters' chance of success."

In addition, a Worcester woman is offering local people a new alternative therapy.

Jennie Morris practices a revolutionary new laser treatment developed in Scotland and recently introduced to the Worcester area to help smokers to kick the habit. Jennie is particularly interested in helping women smokers who, she said, are often criticised for smoking, but not given much help to quit. She explained: "The treatment involves the use of a cold, low-powered laser on specially chosen energy points on the body. The procedure helps to release endorphins, the body's natural chemical, which helps to relieve stress and produces a calming effect, thus reducing withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking."

The Anne Penman Therapy was developed by Anne Penman, a former 60-a-day smoker and also includes counselling and back up support. Jennie used to be a heavy smoker herself and said: "I remember how difficult it was giving up on my own and I was amazed while training in this laser treatment to see smokers give up and receive so much support."

For more details on the Anne Penman Therapy, contact Jennie on 01905 821570.