Quitting smoking is probably the hardest thing I ask my patients to do.  (Losing weight is probably the second hardest.)  Smoking is a profound addiction.  Smoking feels good, and countless smokers have told me the calming pleasure they get from a cigarette. Despite the health risks and financial costs associated with smoking, medications aimed at helping smokers quit have been only modestly successful.  A very helpful article in Monday’s Los Angeles Times reviews the medications avail...