text: how do i get rid of a life-long bad habit? i've had a bad habit for like 20 years.  is there any hope of kicking it?  it's something i do like 3-4 times a week to help me relax. first off, believe that you can kick the habit.  whatever the case may be, believing in yourself is key.  confidence in yourself is also very important.   identify the reason you do it other than it relaxes you, because quite frankly, (like my smoking) that is an excuse and an excuse only, not a reason.  get rid of the reason, stress, depression, whatever it is.  develop a support system.  weather it be friends, family, therapy or an internet group and sometimes even your family doctor.  then finally, follow through.  find something that distracts you.  something you can do every time you are tempted.  it could be a hand held game (like the poker ones or something) crossword puzzles, anything that stimulates thought.  it would be great if you had someone you could call or email or like i said an internet group you could write anytime internet was available.  i wish you great luck and success in kicking this if you are serious!  xoxo lissa