Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking Without Willpower - Includes Quit Vaping: The Best-selling Quit Smoking Method Updated for the 2020s

by Allen Carr, John Dicey

THE BRAND-NEW UPGRADE OF THE WORLD'S BEST-SELLING STOP SMOKING BOOK OF ALL TIME.

Allen Carr's Easyway method is a global phenomenon - a clinically proven and 100% drug-free treatment for nicotine addiction. This book is the most up-to-date, cutting-edge, best-practice version of this method. It now includes advice on important contemporary issues such as vaping, cannabis, JUUL, the association between smoking and self-harm & anxiety, the dopamine issue, and more advice about habitual triggers. Through following this method, you will not only be set free from your smoking or vaping addiction but you will also find it easy and even enjoyable to quit.

• Without using willpower, aids, substitutes, or gimmicks
• Without gaining weight
• Without suffering anxiety, depression, or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms
• Without envying partners, friends or colleagues who smoke/vape

This book is designed to help busy people, who appreciate clear no-nonsense guidance. It gives you a structured, easy-to-follow method for getting free from nicotine painlessly and immediately.

What people say about Allen Carr's Easyway

"Allen Carr's international bestseller...has helped countless people quit."
Time Out New York

"If you want to quit ... its called the Easyway ... I'm so glad I quit."
Ellen DeGeneres

"It was such a revelation that instantly I was freed from my addiction."
Sir Anthony Hopkins

"His skill is in removing the psychological dependence."
The Sunday Times

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Health

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2020

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

[Brian Kivuti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd used this book to quit smoking about 5 years ago, after 8 years of heavy smoking. It was surprisingly effective, easy, as the title says. I've also had the chance to apply this approach to another area in my life.

I then ended getting trapped in smoking again last year, this time, through vaping. For some reason, I never thought of it as smoking until I was quickly hooked on the nicotine addiction. I then switched to cigarettes a couple of weeks ago, as I found that would be easier to quit with the downsides being more pronounced. I listened to this book again (audio), and thankfully quit for the second time in my life. Yippee! Honestly though, when I noticed how useless and intense my vape addiction was, it was a little distressing. It felt like a pointless hamster wheel that didn't do me any favours and couldn't get off; constantly being on top of a craving that would return again and again. I was sad considering the clothes I could have bought with that vape money.

[Kym Gamble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about how to quit smoking without all the "you're gonna get cancer, copd, etc). Gives some really good information that you don't get in most quit smoking materials. I have now been a non-smoker for 5 days.

[Amogh suvarna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WORKS 100%

This is the best work that an author, specialist or a psychologist could ever write. Works like a charm.. Have complete control over my smoking... Mr. Carr is nothing less than a god for me..

[Jona van Vreedendaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Het heeft gewerkt :)

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking Without Willpower represents a true cognitive breakthrough in understanding and overcoming nicotine addiction. Its core strength lies in dismantling the deep-rooted illusions and denial smokers build around their habit, revealing smoking not as a pleasurable choice but as a chemical chain wrapped in psychological misdirection. Having listened to the Audible version twice—first in 2024 and again in 2025—the narrated voice has become an essential guide in reprogramming my mindset. The second listen allowed me to move past the initial novelty and catch the nuanced details that sharpened my focus and reinforced the lessons.

Scientifically, Carr's method is supported by randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews that affirm its effectiveness. Smoking cessation rates for those using the Easy Way seminars range between 19% and 51% at 6 to 12 months, outperforming many pharmacological aids and e-cigarettes, which typically show quit rates of 9% to 14%. This drug-free approach stands out for those wary of substitutes or side effects. An Irish trial demonstrated significantly higher carbon monoxide validated quit rates at one year compared to standard online programs, while a UK study showed it to be as effective as specialist services—quite remarkable for a method relying purely on cognitive reframing.

What shines in this book is its intellectual rigor paired with accessible persuasion. It challenges entrenched myths like the “little monster” of nicotine withdrawal and transforms what feels like a daunting battle into an enlightening liberation. Countless success stories—from lifelong smokers who quit effortlessly on their first try to those who tossed nicotine patches mid-listen—reflect how this method rewires the brain’s expectations, shifting quitting from a life-or-death struggle to a joyful release.

In essence, this is not just a quit-smoking book; it is a scientifically grounded, psychologically astute manual for reclaiming autonomy from nicotine addiction. The Audible narration adds an encouraging, almost therapeutic cadence that uniquely supports your journey. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone willing to confront the myths of tobacco and emerge truly free.

Personally, this book has been a cornerstone in my own journey to quit smoking. The second listen in 2025 helped solidify the mental reprogramming needed to stay smoke-free, allowing me to face cravings with clarity rather than fear. It transformed a lifelong addiction into a distant memory, empowering me with confidence and a newfound sense of freedom that continues to grow every day.

[PoohBooh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As of today I am officially a non-smoker. Great book. Can’t believe a book convinced me to quit vaping

[Chip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me the confidence to actually look forward to quitting. It helped me understand the power of manipulation that addiction can have over my own brain and the tricks we tell ourselves to keep filling that bottomless 'hole' (ie the many ways we tell ourselves that we need that next cigarette).
I can't say that my journey was easy and enjoyable as promised... however, it is still ongoing (2 months now) and I have only slipped once.
Maybe I need to listen to it multiple times.
However, it did give me the tools needed to help fight off the worst of cravings.

[Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say - read the book, stopped smoking. Feels like I’ve never smoked in my life by now.
The promised timelines (5 days, 3 weeks) were right. Everything in the book is right. It’s not magic. It’s just removes all the illusions every smoker ever makes up for themselves to continue smoking :) it really was so easy. Previously I was convinced I will become neurotic monster when quitting, but that never happened, thanks to this book. I only regret not reading this book years ago, just like the author says
Thank you Mr Allen.
10/10

[Reader Griff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooo, quit smoking, but now I’m addicted to snus.
The king is dead. Long live the king.

[Andrei Baciu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worked for me. It is all about being opened and rewiring your brain while listening/reading this book. Don't let it bother you if you feel like it becomes repetitive, just go along, it is totally on purpose. I actually quit smoking after readjusting how my brain works in certain situations. Go ahead. Treat yourself to the chance of quitting this habit.

[cfog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t smoke so I can’t directly speak to the effectiveness of this book. Primary focus is three-fold: Systematically dismantling the idea that smoking offers any personal benefits. Emphasising the weakness of the physical addiction to nicotine. Flagging the strength of the psychological addiction. I believe this would be highly effective and would also generalise to other domains.

[Daniela Rodic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoked for 23 years and was up to a pack a day. I didn't really want to quit, but I knew I had to for health reasons.

It has been 4 years since I read this book and quit. No looking back.

Short book, you smoke while you read it. The author smoked 2 packs a day for decades. Very relatable. 100% recommended 👌

[madison🏹 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was like idk if i want to put on goodreads that i was listening to this bc that’s embarrassing but this book just changed my entire life and made it so easy to stop juuling and im so grateful for it and i would recommend it a million times over

[Sivandran Moodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable!!!

I’ve quit my nicotine addiction within hours of reading Allen Carr, after smoking a pack a day for more than 22 years. There can be no better review.

[Sarah Mitsos · Rating 5 out of 5]

haven’t vaped in over 2 months x

[Matthew Zeichert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Guy uses the same thing for all addictions/habit. Once I found that out, I was fucked.

[Chris Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As well as being exceptionally well written (so much so that you almost want to keep reading solely for the writing), Allen Carr's Easy Way To Quit Smoking is very effective at its aim.

First it makes you realise how unexciting smoking is, and how unnecessary, and then gives that beautiful nudge to just quit. Just like that. I threw out my half pack of tobacco nearly three weeks ago and I haven't spiraled into mania. I didn't even produce a sweat of anxiety. I just stopped.

I don't crave cigarettes, although I do think about them. Not so much because I miss them, but because I had built a decade-long habit around it. How am I not going to think about them? And, besides, Allen stipulates that you must allow yourself to freely think about smoking if your mind wishes to. Don't NOT think about it!

Anyway, I highly recommend this book for smokers who feel they must quit, especially if you have tried every other method of quitting.

In a nutshell, from personal experience, the thing about quitting smoking is that you just have to not smoke. The hardest part is overcoming the withdrawals (which I never really noticed them) and putting yourself in the right frame of mind. Allen's Easy Way does this exceptionally well. And (bonus points!) it is written so fabulously, so engagingly, that it's a breeze to get through.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a smoker and have never been a smoker, but I read this thinking it could help me overcome a few vices (namely, tech addiction), and I was right. It was easy to read this from the perspective of my own addictions, despite the fact that its focus was on smoking. Solid arguments as to why it should be easy to quit, although I feel they apply mostly to addictions that sit lower on the scale in addictive quality, and are not for everyone.

Way too long and wordy, could have been condensed into a much smaller book. Repetitive. Questionable research, but hey, if it works for you, it works. This book isn’t trying to be the ultimate resource on smoking facts, but rather, to present a convincing argument as to why quitting is the best option. I feel it successfully does that.

[Lynetia Botha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book never gets old. I read this book in this format and it was probably my fourth time reading it.

It has not lost any impact and is a powerful catalyst for change and an incredible tool to quit smoking.

Allen Carr’s book and advice cuts through limiting mindsets and confusion around smoking unlike any other books.

This edition is modernised to include vaping, which I thought is extremely helpful for modern nicotine addiction.

If you are a smoker and you’ve never read this book, do yourself a favour and read it with absolutely no intention to quit.

You’ll be very surprised at the joyful outcome.

[Aidan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carr apologises at some point early on in the book if he comes across as arrogant, which I think he is right to do so lmao. Amongst his many listed accolades, literal repeated sentences throughout chapters and his almost cult-like asking to recommend his ‘easyway’ to not only friends and family but healthcare professionals, there is some good points in the book. And I suppose it has worked for many people and has a high success rate (and he’ll make sure to tell you!) If I manage to quit then no doubt I will forgive the egotistical feel of the book and give it more stars :’)

[Susan Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been trying to quit for about 10 yrs and this is the first time that I confidently feel that this is it!! I highly recommend this book for people who are stuck in the nicotine trap! It helps you to rewire your brain away from the habits, and it really isn’t as hard to quit as everyone says it is. I have tried everything, using willpower and nicotine substitutes. And those ways never worked.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a smoker myself, but read this with a loved one who is curious about becoming smoke-free. I can't speak as to whether or not the Easy Way works, but Allen Carr's book is simple, accessible, and talks about every aspect of living with a nicotine addiction... As well as how to painlessly and effortlessly get free. The audiobook was well-narrated and very calming to listen to, with pockets of humour to tide you through 🙂 I wish everyone a healthy, happy and smoke-free future after reading this!

[Egle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it actually worked on me.
I read it many years ago as a regular smoker and forgot about it.
Some time after I woke up one day and felt disgusted by everything about cigarettes: the smell on my lips, clothes, house, the taste was sickening, made me dizzy, the realisation about tremendous effects on my health and pointless spendings. From one day to another I stopped and never touched it again.
Only looking back now I connected the dots, that maybe it was the book.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very straightforward and repetitive arguments, yet the concepts turn over in your head in the days following and seep into your consciousness in a way that is very effective. Has made some impact as I've quit for the longest time since starting vaping about four years ago. 99% psychological v 1% mental argument a little misleading, as dopamine baseline (and no doubt other brain chemistry) lower than normal for weeks after quitting - can make you feel quite depressed, probably important information to know.

[Phi Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ IT! If you really want to STOP SMOKING!

Honestly, i had doubted when i started the book. But guys, it’s really work for me by completely remove my desire to smoke and since i have finished the book, i no longer have to use willpower to suppress anything at all.

Give it a shot if you do want to STOP SMOKING!

[Kamil Suchodoła · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. After 15 years of being stuck in the vicious cycle of smoking, quitting, and relapsing, tomorrow marks four weeks since I last smoked—thanks to this wondrous book. It clearly explains the trap that smoking is and how to escape it. David Bowie allegedly said that nicotine was the hardest drug he ever quit, and it's hard to disagree. Here's to freedom from this poisonous trash!

[Phil Bruemmer]

It works as advertised.

For the price of the book you can end the mental pain and suffering, the degradation, the useless and unneeded stress.
You can actually be happy with yourself and life.

[Rokas Subačius · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a piece of literature it is garbage. But for what it’s supposed to do it works well. I read the summary when I stopped smoking, and the pointers were quite helpful. Cravings for smoking came back with new triggers though, so i have listened to the audio version of this book. This book has helped me to understand the nature of addiction better. I am still a happy non smoker and this book has definitely helped me to stay that way.

[Bekah Morr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Carr really did something with this. He’s got me journaling again and everything. The metaphors are a little cheesy but the British woman who narrated the vaping audio book borderline hypnotized me into quitting.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have stopped smoking thanks to this book. Never looked back.