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Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking: Canadian Edition
An easy way to quit smoking?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.• No weight gain, no willpower, no withdrawal• Removes the psychological need to smoke as you smoke• No fear of living life without your "little friend"• Feel great from the minute you put out your final cigarettePraise for the Carr "To say it was miraculous would not be hyperbole."Hamilton Spectator"Being a smoker is like being trapped in a complicated maze. It's as if Allen Carr has a plan of that maze."Sir Anthony Hopkins"I can't imagine ever lighting up again. I have no desire to. I can honestly say I think I'm done for good now."National Post"It worked for me and about twenty of my friends. Seriously!"Jason Mraz"All eight of my friends who resolved to quit smoking last year did so successfully by reading this book."Now Newspaper
- GenresNonfiction
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
113 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Allen Carr
409 books285 followersAllen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 14, 2024
what just happened to my life?
I’m done smoking. Is this some sort of witchcraft? Unbelievable book straight from another world. Read it if you want to quit!
I’m done smoking. Is this some sort of witchcraft? Unbelievable book straight from another world. Read it if you want to quit!
February 6, 2022
never thought words could make that kind of impression
Just a new, amazing way to look and think. Different then any other tactic we have ever seen. Yet so simple you probably thought of this at some point in your smoking career. I’m ready to try now!
Enjoy
Just a new, amazing way to look and think. Different then any other tactic we have ever seen. Yet so simple you probably thought of this at some point in your smoking career. I’m ready to try now!
Enjoy
January 7, 2025
Overall this book offers a change of perspective on smoking by talking about what life was like before you started, and how nicotine only deprives you of that life. The change in perspective is actually very beneficial and I would recommend it to anyone who smokes based solely on that.
My only issue with it: the author very clearly does not understand how antidepressants work, or at least largely ignores how they work. I think he could have used the neuroscience, and his message, to make a much stronger and scientifically sound point. This is precisely why doctors say that you shouldn’t take medical advice from someone who isn’t a medical professional.
Towards the end of the book there’s a discussion about Wellbutrin that I would recommend you skip entirely. There is a lot of scientific merit to that method of quitting smoking that the author largely ignores and sort of condemns. Ultimately, some antidepressants work with some of the same neurotransmitters that some addictions do, and the author ignores that. The same is true about the author’s discussion of nicotine as a stimulant and an appetite suppressant, but to a lesser extent.
Nicotine is a stimulant and an appetite suppressant, and antidepressants can help reduce the side effects of withdrawals. People don’t necessarily use nicotine as a replacement for a meal, but instead nicotine can make people lose the urge to eat. This much is purely chemical. Wikipedia has great resources to show what neurotransmitters are acted upon by what chemicals and to what extent. A lot of dense information.
The author’s sentiment and overall point (i.e. they’re not miracle drugs) is still valid, but the points need context. Dismissing their merit is disinformation.
I would recommend, for more accurate information, anyone to consult an introductory psychology or neuropharmacology textbook. For a more entertaining read, The Neuroscience of You by Chantel Prat, a neuroscience professor, partly discusses antidepressants and neurotransmitters in a way that is digestible to a general audience, and written very cheerfully. She also discusses problems with the industry.
Overall, good read!
My only issue with it: the author very clearly does not understand how antidepressants work, or at least largely ignores how they work. I think he could have used the neuroscience, and his message, to make a much stronger and scientifically sound point. This is precisely why doctors say that you shouldn’t take medical advice from someone who isn’t a medical professional.
Towards the end of the book there’s a discussion about Wellbutrin that I would recommend you skip entirely. There is a lot of scientific merit to that method of quitting smoking that the author largely ignores and sort of condemns. Ultimately, some antidepressants work with some of the same neurotransmitters that some addictions do, and the author ignores that. The same is true about the author’s discussion of nicotine as a stimulant and an appetite suppressant, but to a lesser extent.
Nicotine is a stimulant and an appetite suppressant, and antidepressants can help reduce the side effects of withdrawals. People don’t necessarily use nicotine as a replacement for a meal, but instead nicotine can make people lose the urge to eat. This much is purely chemical. Wikipedia has great resources to show what neurotransmitters are acted upon by what chemicals and to what extent. A lot of dense information.
The author’s sentiment and overall point (i.e. they’re not miracle drugs) is still valid, but the points need context. Dismissing their merit is disinformation.
I would recommend, for more accurate information, anyone to consult an introductory psychology or neuropharmacology textbook. For a more entertaining read, The Neuroscience of You by Chantel Prat, a neuroscience professor, partly discusses antidepressants and neurotransmitters in a way that is digestible to a general audience, and written very cheerfully. She also discusses problems with the industry.
Overall, good read!
October 18, 2024
This book isn't a magic wand. It's basically CBT. It helps you to reframe how you view cigarettes and smoking.
I did quit smoking. While I did find the reframing helpful, I believe quitting was more due to the fact that I was at a place where I was really ready to quit. The book was just a helpful extra nudge in the right direction.
My biggest complaint about the book was how repetitive it was. I often found my mind wandering or skimming pages because I was so tired of reading the same thing over and over. Maybe the repetition is what helps some people?
I just want people to go into this book with a realistic view of what it is. Either way, I'm a non-smoker now, so I can't be mad at it.
I did quit smoking. While I did find the reframing helpful, I believe quitting was more due to the fact that I was at a place where I was really ready to quit. The book was just a helpful extra nudge in the right direction.
My biggest complaint about the book was how repetitive it was. I often found my mind wandering or skimming pages because I was so tired of reading the same thing over and over. Maybe the repetition is what helps some people?
I just want people to go into this book with a realistic view of what it is. Either way, I'm a non-smoker now, so I can't be mad at it.
January 13, 2025
Nearly a year on and I'm still not back at the old habit. The most phenomenal thing, is that it was easy!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews