Best Strategies of Smoking Cessation

There are many different programs that can potentially help you to become smoke-free. To successfully kick the habit, you have to select a smoking cessation program that will work for you. To stop smoking for good, you must be prepared to overcome nicotine withdrawal symptoms that sometimes can be severe, particularly if you are a life-long smoker. Also, be ready to exercise emotional and mental willpower in order to change your established lifestyle habits that are built around smoking. Nicotine is a strong addictive drug and therefore quitting smoking is not easy. It really helps to do your homework and find out what program might work best for your particular needs. This article will give you initial guidelines to get started.

Where to start

Select a date when you intend to stop smoking and then follow your plan. Ahead of time, record your reasons for smoking cessation and read those notes every time you are tempted to start smoking again. Write down why and when you tend to smoke and what triggers your desire for a cigarette. Before quitting, try to abstain from smoking in certain situations that you can perfectly control with your willpower – for example, when you are having your morning coffee, socializing with smoking friends, or driving your car. It is really helpful to write down a list of activities that could be easily done without smoking. Also, be prepared to get engaged into doing something else when your cravings for nicotine are especially strong. Be creative and think ahead about what you can do – for example, you can have a (healthy) snack, watch an interesting movie, or even start lifting weights! A good strategy is to consult your doctor about nicotine replacement products – these would be especially useful during the first several weeks after quitting. Another helpful step is to get counselling or join a support group.

How to prevent relapsing

When you stop smoking, you may get severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms that will make you crave tobacco and provoke irritability, nervous tension, anxiety, or even depression. You may also get headaches, become dizzy, or feel hungry all the time. These unpleasant sensations are due to the highly addictive nature of tobacco. Since your body is used to a constant supply of nicotine, the above withdrawal symptoms are quite natural and signal the healing process. They won’t last long – most former smokers report uncomfortable sensations that only last from several days to several weeks after smoking cessation. Stick to your program and try to stay in control!

To avoid starting smoking again, keep away from anything that may remind you about smoking: clean your house of cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and other smoking supplies. Ask your friends and family members not to smoke when you are around. During work breaks, munch on healthy snacks or chew a gum instead of smoking. When the urge to smoke is almost unbearable, exercise! Aerobic activities, such as jogging, biking, or playing tennis, are particularly recommended to refocusing your mind off cigarettes.

What to do if you relapse

It is estimated that over eighty percent of quitters eventually return to cigarettes. If you are one of those, try not to give up. Some nicotine addicts have to attempt quitting smoking several times before they can finally kick the habit for good. Maybe, next time you will require a stronger pharmaceutical medication to help you overcome nicotine addiction. Or you will need additional supportive therapies, such as acupuncture or massage. Plan beforehand and consider nicotine patches, antidepressants, or hypnotherapy. Do not lose hope!

Jimmy Edwards