How to Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the most difficult habits to stop. A lot of time is usually spent on planning to stop (usually between puffs), rather than actually stopping the habit. However, many people have managed to stop smoking: some have even managed to stop it abruptly usually referred to as “cold turkey”. How come some find it rather easy to stop while others find it virtually impossible? Each of these groups understands the dangers associated with smoking: the relationship between smoking and illnesses such as lung cancer and bad breath are common for all to see. Many of the smoking adults have been urged at one time or another to smoke the habit. So what should one do?

1. Don’t Start and you won’t need to stop

If you were to ask many smokers how they started the habit, they would probably tell you that it started in a very simple manner: they never expected that it would turn into such a powerful habit. If you are not a smoker, don’t try to experiment with cigarettes. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, experimenting with cigarettes may turn out to be a monster that will feed on you. There is nothing cool in starting the habit and then showing your “strength” by how you managed to quit the habit.

2. How will you stop?

Once you realize that smoking is a habit that you need to dispense with, it is time to determine when you should stop it completely. It should not be done halfway – there is no glory in that. There are two main ways in which you can do this: the first one is by stopping it abruptly. Many people have tried this with varying levels of success. Whenever this has been as simple as it sounds, it has been mainly an issue of willpower. However, sometimes the withdrawal symptoms can be so much that one finds this to be a very daunting task. The other option would be to reduce nicotine intake with time. Here, it is usually done by reducing the number of cigarettes smoked in a day. However, it can prove to be useless if it happens that the smoker inhales the smoke deeper or longer. If you choose to use nicotine substitution drug products such as nicotine gum and transdermal patches, you may need to consult a physician concerning effectiveness and potential abuse.

3. A day at a time

Once you’ve resolved to quit, set goals on what you want to achieve each day. If you manage to go a whole day without smoking, thank God for that. It’s a big feat. You’ll be more encouraged to fight through each of the days because you’ll know that it is possible. Avoid company where people are smoking or are encouraged to smoke. Instead, find new passions: visit areas where smoking is not allowed. Such areas include libraries, parks, hospitals, etc.

The journey is a long one. This is a habit that probably took years to form. If you happen to slip back to the habit, do not be discouraged. Pick up, dust up, take the arms and continue the fight. Success will surely come your way if you persist.