TUESDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Your ability to kick the smoking habit may have a lot to do with your genetic make-up, a new study finds.

Researchers have found gene patterns that influence a smoker's response to specific smoking-cessation treatments. The researchers identified several genetic variations that appear to indicate the likelihood of success or failure with nicotine replacement therapy and the smoking-cessation drug bupropion (Zyban).

When asked about the effects of smoking, the question usually refers to how smoking is detrimental to our lungs, throat or mouth. Did you know that cigarettes effect every organ, nerve, muscle, brain receptor site, artery, vein and tissue in our bodies! When we smoke, the drug nicotine, tar and other additives travel through our blood stream throughout our entire body. We have heard that smoking causes lung cancer...did you know that it also causes bladder cancer and harms our reproductive systems? However, perhaps the most significant organ effected is our brain.

Everyone who smokes has a love-hate relationship with their nicotine-of-choice, be it cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco or other form.

Get to know your love-hate relationship better. It is the first clue, and a powerful cessation method, to understanding your triggers, cravings and barriers to quitting.

There are quite a few prescription drugs on the market to help you quit smoking, and they work by "fooling" your neurotransmitters into not craving the nicotine. They have worked successfully for many, many people.

The power of a cigarette. I've heard cigarettes referred to as one of the greatest drug-delivery devices ever invented. Think about it: they're relatively cheap, legal, accessible, the drug (nicotine) provides the user with either a quick pick-me-up or a nice stress-reducer, which ever is needed. And, it is always there for them. Smokers can (usually) take more breaks, have some more social time outside; some even have their own special designated place!

The power of a cigarette. I've heard cigarettes referred to as one of the greatest drug-delivery devices ever invented. Think about it: they're relatively cheap, legal, accessible, the drug (nicotine) provides the user with either a quick pick-me-up or a nice stress-reducer, which ever is needed. And, it is always there for them. Smokers can (usually) take more breaks, have some more social time outside; some even have their own special designated place!

Have you been to a hookah bar? I'm amazed that my sleepy-little small town has a hookah bar! It's toted as a healthy alternative, and a large hookah is displayed in the window of this tea store.

Do you have a love-hate relationship with smoking? Most people have said they do (whatever their nicotine-of-choice), be it cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco or other form. Get to know your love-hate relationship better. It is the first clue, and a powerful cessation method, to understanding your triggers, cravings and barriers to quitting. There are quite a few prescription drugs on the market to help you quit smoking, and they work by "fooling" your neurotransmitters into not craving the nicotine. They have worked successfully for many, many people.