How To Quit Smoking
Whether you’re a teen smoker or a lifetime
pack–a–day smoker, quitting can be tough. But the more you learn about your
options and prepare for quitting, the easier the process will be. With the
right game plan tailored to your needs, you can break the addiction, manage
your cravings, and join the millions of people who have kicked the habit for
good.
Why quitting smoking can seem so hard
Smoking tobacco is both a physical addiction and a
psychological habit. The nicotine from cigarettes provides a temporary, and
addictive, high. Eliminating that regular fix of nicotine will cause your body
to experience physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because of nicotine’s
“feel good” effect on the brain, you may also have become accustomed to smoking
as a way of coping with stress, depression, anxiety, or even boredom.
At the same time, the act of smoking is ingrained as
a daily ritual. It may be an automatic response for you to smoke a cigarette
with your morning coffee, while taking a break from work or school, or during
your commute home at the end of a long day. Perhaps friends, family members,
and colleagues smoke, and it has become part of the way you relate with them.
To successfully quit smoking, you’ll need to address
both the addiction and the habits and routines that go along with it.
Your Personal Stop Smoking Plan
While some smokers successfully quit by going cold
turkey, most people do better with a plan to keep themselves on track. A good
plan addresses both the short–term challenge of quitting smoking and the
long–term challenge of preventing relapse. It should also be tailored to your
specific needs and smoking habits.
Questions to ask yourself
Take the time to think of what kind of smoker you
are, which moments of your life call for a cigarette, and why. This will help
you to identify which tips, techniques or therapies may be most beneficial for
you.
* Are you more of a social smoker?
* Is it a very bad addiction (more than a pack a day)? Or would a simple nicotine patch do the job?
* Do you reach for cigarettes when you're feeling stressed or down?
* Are there certain activities, places, or people you associate with smoking?
* Is your cigarette smoking linked to other addictions, such as alcohol or gambling?
* Are you open to hypnotherapy and/or acupuncture?
* Are you someone who is open to talking about your addiction with a therapist or counselor?
* Are you interested in getting into a fitness program?
