(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Joaquin Phoenix is so desperate to quit smoking he gets friends to hit his hand whenever he reaches for a cigarette.

The hunky actor has been trying to give up the unhealthy habit for a long time, with little success. He has reportedly even tried having hypnotherapy sessions to cure him of the affliction, but they didnt work.

The star recently had lunch at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, and was overheard asking a friend for a favour to help him quit.

He asked his friend to slap his hand whenever it wondered to his pack on the table, reports National Enquirer. The guys continued chatting, with the friend regularly hitting Joaquin on the hand.

After a three-hour meeting, Joaquin realised he hadnt smoked a single cigarette. He was quick to tell his friend, and was overheard saying slap-therapy was the best method he has found to cut down smoking. (C) Cover Media