Stop Smoking Today: How To End Your Addiction
How to Safely Overcome Your Nicotine Addiction
Everyone knows smoking is harmful to both short and long term health, so why is it so difficult to quit?
Nicotine is an addictive ingredient that the body absorbs and learns to crave.
Since nicotine can lead to lung cancer, premature aging, increased risk of stroke, heart attack, leukemia, cataracts, and much more, it’s vital to end this addiction as quickly as possible.
If you’ve tried or are trying to quit, you know there are several ways to be successful, but the following techniques have been proven to achieve the best results.
Learn To Cope With Stress Without Nicotine
When life gets stressful, do you find yourself reaching for those cigarettes? If you smoke to help calm your nerves and handle stressful situations, put out that cigarette and try these techniques instead:
- Practice deep breathing. Replace cigarettes with deep breathing exercises to cope positively with stress.
- Take a walk. When engaging in physical activity, endorphins are released that contribute to improved mood. Start an exercise regimen to combat nicotine cravings while promoting a healthy weight.
- Relax. Engage in healthy activities to promote relaxation, like yoga or meditation.
- Reach out to others. Emotional support from friends and family can help get you through rough patches. Don’t be ashamed to reach out!
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is similar to nicotine in that it is equally addictive. When trying to quit smoking, caffeine acts like a trigger sparking anxiety, more cravings, and sleep pattern disruption.
- Give your body what it needs. Once you’ve quit smoking, it’s important to feed your body with nutrient-rich foods. Stay energized by drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, and getting adequate rest.
Smoking Cessation Medications
If you decide that you need medication to quit smoking, you have options.
Medications can help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce cravings. Consult your physician for the most effective medication he or she recommends for you.
To date, the US FDA approved options are:
- Nicotine replacement therapy. For some, nicotine replacement therapy is the easiest way to quit smoking. Instead of smoking cigarettes, nicotine supplements such as gum or patches can help curb cravings.
- Non-nicotine medication. Some prescription medications, like Zyban and Chantix, have been helpful for individuals while abstaining from smoking. These medications work primarily by reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Mind Over Matter
The decision to stop smoking is the first step towards success.
Mind over matter can be a powerful technique for quitting, so having determination will help you achieve this goal. Try these techniques if you decide to quit without the help of medication:
- Make a list. What are your motivators for quitting? Has your health been affected, are you tired of smelling like smoke, or has it become too expensive? Write down your individual motivators and review the list daily to stay on track with your goals.
- Choose a date. Smokers often delay quitting with the excuse, “I’ll quit tomorrow,” without specifying a date. Unfortunately, this excuse doesn’t hold much weight as millions continue to smoke. To help ensure success, pick a quit date and stick to it.
- Promise yourself. Take responsibility for your health by making a promise to yourself to quit smoking. Although many factors motivate your decision to quit, only you can make it happen.
- Share the good news. Moral support can be found in friends, family, co-workers, and complete strangers. Share the exciting news that you’ve decided to quit and announce your need for support in this difficult time.
Some of these techniques may seem more difficult than others, but the best technique is the one that works for you and allows you to be successful.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must consult with your doctor! Before starting, stopping, or changing any part of your diet, supplants, medication, exercise routine, or anything related to your health or a medical issue, please consult your doctor first.
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