In trying to quit cigarettes, Marcy Sivitz has gone cold turkey so many times she's almost turned chicken.

Mrs. Sivitz, 42, of Whitehall, said she hates the habit but can't overcome the cravings. Quitting, she said, will require extraordinary effort.

"I know friends who can quit cold turkey, but I can't do that," she said. "I cut back to two a day for four or five days until I give up and smoke again."

So she's taking dramatic action to bolster a New Year's resolution to quit smoking once and for all.

Mrs. Sivitz is one of eight people statewide to be featured on online video blogs -- or "vlogs" -- to describe their smoking addictions and document their efforts to quit.

The vlogs represent one of many technological tools available on the new Web site, www.DeterminedToQuit.com, that the state Department of Health launched New Year's Eve to help people go smoke-free.

Vlogs will serve as reality video to prove to others they're not alone in the struggle.

"Success rates double for smokers who are supported in their quit attempt." state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson said. "Yet less than one in 10 seeks out any sort of support when they try to quit smoking."

Two million people, or about 20 percent of the state's adult population, smoke. Dr. Johnson said 58 percent of the state's smokers attempted to quit at least one day in 2007. But the Wirthlin Report says 89 percent of those who attempted to quit continue smoking.

So the Web site will create an online community to support people in their efforts to break the habit, Dr. Johnson said.

In her vlog, Mrs. Sivitz said, she'll strive for truth. She plans to confess all smoking sins, document setbacks and discuss successes. Each vlogger will produce 10 videos -- two updates a month for five months.

While the public forum provides a key incentive, she's also begun taking Chantix, a prescription medication, to help her quit.

"I'm tired of smoking," she said. "But it's bigger than I am."

People opting to quit should set a quit date, the Web site recommends. They also need a support network and other cessation aids to improve chances of success.

DeterminedToQuit.com offers a "Quit Companion," which charts successes and failures by day, month and year, so users can record their lapses via a Web-based form or their mobile phone.

Web users can schedule to have messages of support delivered to their cell phones to help fend off desires to smoke and offset events that trigger the desire.

Smokers also can invite friends and family to send messages of support at key times to help maintain momentum.

The Health Department said the Web site also provides unbiased information smokers can use to help them quit. Smokers also can call the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to speak to a live quit coach.

Mrs. Sivitz, who works full time in radio advertising for Clear Channel, said she first tried cigarettes at 16, then began smoking regularly at 19. In her mid-20s, she realized she was addicted but felt incapable of quitting. She said she wants to avoid the health effects of tobacco, particularly cancer and respiratory disease.

Prior to New Year's Day she was smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily, but dropped recently to about seven a day. Triggers that overwhelm her willpower include starting her car each morning or finishing a meal.

With medication, the vlog, the Web site and support from family and friends, she said she finally has a sound strategy to end her smoking habit.

"If this doesn't do it I don't know if I'll ever be able to quit," she said. "The road I'm taking and the campaign is going to be good, and I hope it works."