How to Quit Smoking
Whether you are a chain smoker or a teen smoker, quitting can be tough. However, there are different options to break the addiction. For somebody who has been smoking all through their life, it can be the toughest things to do on earth, but with a resolve to overcome addiction, you can take steps to manage your tobacco cravings and kick the habit that has been making your life worse.
Addiction
Smoking is both a physical and psychological addiction. When you smoke, the nicotine from tobacco gives your body a temporary yet addictive high and a feel good effect on brain. If you suddenly try to eliminate nicotine, your body experiences withdrawal symptoms. You are at a high risk of experiencing cravings due to nicotine’s so-called feel good effect on the body and brain. Since nicotine gives you high, your brain might become used to tobacco for coping with depression, stress, and anxiety. To quit smoking without a chance to relapse, it is important to address the addictive habits.
Introspect to identify the prime cause that contributed to your smoking habit. Are there specific times when you feel the need to smoke? Do you crave for smoking when you are depressed or feeling bored? Do you smoke to overcome stress or some unpleasant feelings? Do you often visit certain places that are a hub of smokers or are associated with smoking? Is your smoking habit linked to any of your other habits?
Tips to Quit Smoking
Once you have identified your smoking triggers, devise a plan to avoid them entirely. Distract yourself from the activities or places that you have been associating with tobacco smoking.- Look for substitutes, such as a candy or chewing gum, raw celery, and carrots, among others. Keep these things to pop in your mouth when you start craving for tobacco.
- Keep your mind busy so as to avoid cravings.
- Remind yourself of the reason to quit smoking. Reward yourself whenever you take steps to overcome cravings. This will help you keep yourself motivated.
- Try to relax to calm your nerves. Take a warm bath, go for a walk, practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to feel relaxed. Learn new ways to soothe yourself or feel relaxed.
- Use cognitive behavioral therapies, acupuncture, hypnosis, or counseling to overcome the habit of smoking.
- Smoking cessation medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms. It is important to stick to a comprehensive quit smoking program that includes medication and alternative therapy monitored by a physician.
- Nicotine replacement therapy involves using nicotine substitutes, including nicotine patch or gum, to relieve withdrawal symptoms. The therapy delivers small doses of nicotine into the body to help break psychological addiction so that smokers can concentrate on learning new coping behaviors and skills.
Once you have identified your smoking triggers, devise a plan to avoid them entirely. Distract yourself from the activities or places that you have been associating with tobacco smoking.