It has to be among the top New Year's resolutions around the world.

But quitting smoking also has to be one of the hardest out there, which is part of the reason there are so many ways to try and so many people who think they know the best one.

There's cold turkey, the patch, pills, gum, laser therapy, hypnosis, counselling and countless others. There's even a game for Nintendo DS that claims it can do the trick.

And yet there's no real consensus on the matter of which is the most effective, largely because a lot depends on you and the nature of your habit. And there's nothing wrong with using more than one.

"There is no one single best way, I think different things work for different people," said Dr. Peter Selby of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

"What we do know is that when people use multiple methods to quit it's better than when they use one single method by themselves."

Experts say there are three key areas of intervention. The first is creating a smoke-free environment, the second is changing your behaviour and the third is using medications.

"Generally, when we look at people who engage in these three things they increase their chances of quitting substantially."

Here's a look at a few of the possible roads to arriving in 2009 cigarette-free.

Health Canada's Methods Of Quitting

Quit Smoking With Laser Therapy: Results Revealed

Ontario Quit Line

What The Lung Association Of Ontario Says

Can Electronic Cigarettes Beat The Smoking Ban And Are They Better For Your Health?

Quitting Smoking A Big Boon For Women

Here's a look at some alternate quit smoking methods that some swear helped them kick the habit.

Laser Therapy

What is it?: The use of a pinpointed laser on the skin and cells to stimulate certain points in the body believed connected to addictive centres.

Where is it used?: The beam is focused on your hands, ears, wrists, and even your nose. The treatment takes about 20-30 minutes.

Does it work?: Those who practice this type of therapy claim you only need to undergo one treatment for it to work. But there are no guarantees and laser proponents remind it only cures the physical addiction - not the mental cravings.

You still have to deal with that on your own.

Hypnosis

What is it?: A deep relaxation technique that some believe can help you acquire the personal willpower to accomplish a goal.

How long does it take?: A lot depends on who's administering the technique. Some practitioners claim it can be done in a few visits. Others insist it take a lot more.

Does it work?: It's hard to say. Many swear the technique is the only thing that worked for them. Others contend it was an interesting experience but ultimately a waste of money.

Be careful to get a reputable practitioner, because there can be a lot of questionable people claiming to know how to practice effective hypnosis.

Acupuncture

What is it?: A sort of old fashioned version of the laser. Tiny needles are inserted at strategic points in the skin and proponents claim it gradually helps reduce the craving for nicotine.

How long does it take?: Some swear you can be better in 2-3 weeks. Others maintain it takes longer, depending on the individual.

Does it work?: Once again, it depends. Acupuncture has been effective in treating pain and is an ancient Chinese technique that's been around for centuries.

As in all these alternatives, those who think it worked for them are sure they couldn't have done it without the help.

Others call it a waste of money that didn't help them at all.

In all cases, alternate practitioners warn it's up to the smokers to keep away from the weed after the treatment, and avoid all the triggers that prompt them to want a cigarette. But remember, in many cases traditional medicine doesn't recognize a lot of these methods, so it's up to you whether to spend the money to try them.