Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Canadian Edition

by Allen Carr

Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking is a self-help classic, with over 15m copies sold worldwide. It has been a #1 bestseller in nine European countries. It outsells all other quit smoking titles combined. This edition has been developed specifically for smokers in the Canada. This seminal book has enabled millions of smokers to quit easily and enjoyably using Carr's simple, drug-free approach.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2009

About the author

Allen Carr was a British author and the founder of the global Allen Carr’s Easyway method, renowned for helping millions overcome smoking and other addictions. Born in Putney, London in 1934, Carr began smoking at 18 during National Service and struggled with the habit for over three decades. A qualified accountant, he finally quit in 1983 following a revelatory visit to a hypnotherapist. The experience didn’t directly cause him to quit, but it led to two key insights: that smoking was simply a form of nicotine addiction, and that withdrawal symptoms were minor and psychological in nature. These revelations inspired Carr to develop a revolutionary approach to quitting, one that did not rely on willpower, scare tactics, or substitution therapies.
Carr’s philosophy centered on removing the smoker’s fear of giving up. He argued that smoking merely relieves withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, and that the supposed satisfaction gained is merely a return to the non-smoker’s normal state. Through live seminars, books, and multimedia resources, the Easyway method encourages smokers to continue smoking while they reframe their beliefs, ultimately extinguishing their final cigarette with clarity and confidence.
In 1985, Carr published The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, which became a bestseller and was translated into more than 45 languages. The success of his London clinic led to the establishment of over 100 Easyway centers in 35 countries, offering seminars to treat smoking, alcohol dependency, sugar addiction, and even fear of flying. His method’s credibility was bolstered by independent clinical trials, including studies in Ireland and the UK which found it as effective—if not more so—than standard cessation methods. This led to its adoption by NHS-approved services in England.
A key element of the Easyway clinics is that all facilitators are former addicts who successfully quit using the method themselves. They must complete extensive training and become licensed members of the Association of Allen Carr Therapists International.
Throughout his career, Carr also co-authored a wide range of Easyway books addressing various addictions and behavioral issues, often collaborating with Robin Hayley and John C. Dicey, the current Chairman and Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway. Dicey, whom Carr mentored, continues to lead the organization’s development and public outreach.
Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at age 72, though he had not smoked for 23 years. He attributed his illness to second-hand smoke exposure during seminars. Before his death, he remained committed to his mission, challenging governmental ties to nicotine replacement industries and advocating for wider access to his method.
Carr’s legacy continues through his clinics, books, and online programs, which have reached over 50 million people worldwide. His message remains consistent: quitting is not a sacrifice—it’s liberation.

Reviews

[Gabrielle Blin ( book reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je ne fume pas mais j’ai des fumeurs autour de moi et non seulement cela me gêne en tant qu’asthmatique mais je m’inquiète aussi pour leur santé et sur la dépendance qu’engendre la cigarette.
Ce livre apporte réponses et solutions et éclaire, j’ai apprit beaucoup et c’est franchement effrayant comment on nous conditionne à fumer et comment la nicotine agit sur le corps du fumeur.
Je pense qu’il est impossible de continuer à fumer après avoir lu cet ouvrage.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It worked for me, and in a very short space of time. As a solution it gets five stars, as a book, only four. A little repetitive and in some places bordering on patronising. But I found the points need to be driven home to be understood and absorbed, so I can forgive that. If you actually WANT to stop smoking (in contrast to thinking you OUGHT to stop smoking), then this will certainly work for you too[1]. I must stress that this method is completely painless. No willpower required. You don't even have to read it all at once - I read a chunk after xmas, another in March, and finished it this week. It's left me without the horrific cravings and fag-envy I dreaded, just an occasional urge that I can notice, examine, dismiss and get on with my life as usual. Excellent result, hadn't thought it possible considering I'd been smoking for nearly 30 years.

[1] A joyful exception to this rule - my brother, ever the skeptic, read this book for a bet, in order to prove that it doesn't work. He hasn't smoked in the five years since, nor does he miss it.

[Amy Turnbull · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last half of the book was an easy read. I did find it annoying how it keeps repeating things like, once you know how to use the Allen Carrs way you will be a non smoker as it seems to interrupt concentration and bring impatience, making the reader wonder what is the way, when will i get to that part, how much longer till i read the big secret to no longer smoking etc, instead of leaving the focus on what you are currently reading. I also think it's possibly better to try to read this without any interruptions from other tasks or people and that may help it's success, so i will re read it in the near future when i know i wont be constantly interrupted.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoera, vanaf nu ben ik een niet-roker! Een typisch zelfhulp boek vol herhalingen, maar wel het soort bevestiging en herhaling dat ik nodig heb. Ik hoop dat dit me de zet geeft die ik nodig had om echt geen sigaret meer op te steken.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this once before to stop smoking (20 years ago) but I did the one thing he warns you against. I had one cigarette about 3 years after I'd stopped and there I was back on to my old habits within a fortnight.
I really wanted to stop again, so re-read this book. I finished my last cigarette 3 days ago, and so far it has been very simple.I don't want to smoke.
It is a little bit outdated, but he convinces you that you are not "giving up" anything, besides poisoning yourself.
I'll come back in a year to let myself know how I've progressed.

[Edwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will say this book doesn't help if you don't already WANT to quit. At least, that's how it was for me. I was reading it while actively quitting and it really helped to put some things in perspective. Can recommend it to anyone who wants to quit.

p.s. as of this writing, 2 years and 10 months no ciggies :)

[Mitch Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many, many "WOAH" moments that will lead you down a rabbit hole of understanding. You may not stop smoking entirely. However, you will know that with another read you certainly could stop and continue to stop.

[Tan Ban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quit after reading the second time 6 years ago.

[Joelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! A whole different way to look at it and the best way I've heard yet.