How To Quit Smoking

 

 

 

How to Quit Smoking - Your Guide to Kicking the Smoking Habit

 

While you probably already know the negative health risks that come along with smoking, knowing these risks doesn't make it easier for you to quite smoking. Quitting can be difficult, no matter how much you smoke.

The good news is that millions of other people have figure out how to stop smoking and have totally eliminated smoking from their life. With motivation, support, and a good game plan, you can also learn how to kick this habit as well. Here is a simple guide that can help you learn how to stop smoking for good.

 

Why Is Quitting So Tough?

You're probably wondering why it's so tough to quit smoking. The reason it is difficult is because it's not just a physical addition, it's also a psychological habit. Smoking becomes a ritual that you partake in on a regular basis.

Also, the nicotine that smoking offers provides you with a high that is addictive, although temporary. Once you stop getting your nicotine fix, your body actually goes through withdrawal. If you're going to figure out how to quit smoking for good, then the addiction and the habit both need to be dealt with.

 

Come Up With Personal Reasons for Quitting

If you want to learn how to stop smoking, it's very important that you come up with personal reasons for quitting. You can't stop smoking because someone else wants you to.

It's important that you think about the reasons you want to quite and then you should write them down. When it becomes tough to resist a cigarette, you can look back at the personal reasons you want to quit in the first place. Just a few of the reasons that you may want to quit include the following:

 

• Stop exposing family members to second hand smoke
• Lower the risk of health problems like stroke, heart attack, and cancer
• Save money
• Living a healthier and longer life
• Having a baby that is not addicted to nicotine (for those who are pregnant)

 

Jump Start Quitting with the START Plan

When you've decided that you want to quit the smoking habit, it's a good idea to jump start quitting with a plan known as the START plan. No matter what method you go on to use when you decide to learn how to quite smoking, starting with this plan can definitely be a huge help.

With this plan, "S" is for Setting a date that you will quite. Having a specific date makes it real and you can't keep putting it off if you set a date when you are going to quite.

Next, "T" is for Telling those around you that you will quit smoking, including friends, family, and those you work with.

"A" stands for Anticipating all the difficulties that you may face and planning how to deal with them.

Then, "R" is for Removing all tobacco from your house, your work area, and your car.

Last, you have "T," which stands for Talking to your physician. Your physician may be able to help provide you with some help that will make quitting easier.

 

Dealing with Withdrawal and Cravings

If you want to know how to quit smoking, it's important that you learn how to deal with withdrawal from nicotine and the cravings that result. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings are especially difficult in the first few days after you start quitting.

To keep from relapsing, you must figure out how to deal with them. Many people have cravings after a meal because they are so used to smoking after eating. Deal with this by chewing a piece of gum or having a nice dessert.

Other people have cravings when they have alcohol. To deal with this, try snacking or go to places where you aren't allowed to smoke while drinking. It can also be tough when you are around others that smoke.

Avoid taking breaks with smokers to avoid giving in to cravings and refuse to have others smoke when they are in your car as well.

 

Various Methods for Quitting

Once you decide you want to know how to quit smoking and you actually set your date for quitting, you may want to use a support method to help you to quit. Many different methods for quitting are available.

Medications are available to help deal with cravings and withdrawal, but they must be prescribed by a doctor. Nicotine replacement therapy is available as are medications that do not have nicotine, such as Chantix and Zyban.

Other methods are available for quitting that don't involve using medications. Both acupuncture and hypnosis are popular choices for people trying to quit this habit. Motivational therapy, behavioral therapy, and even support groups can also be used to help support you as you're working to eliminate the smoking habit for good.