Congratulations! Making the decision to stop smoking is something important to celebrate no matter how long you’ve been doing it.
Following through with a plan to quit can be a challenge. To increase your success in following through with your decision, one of the most important things you must do is identify and be able to remind yourself WHY you’ve decided to quit smoking.
Generally, health reasons are among the primary concerns. Research has shown that smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body and is the cause of other damage such as blindness, hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction. Prolonged smoking also promotes the increased risk of diseases such as heart attack, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, and respiratory infections.
What’s more, your smoking habit doesn’t affect just you. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adults that inhale secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of cancer and heart disease, while infants and children exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to experience health problems such as ear or respiratory infections and asthma.
Other valuable reasons may include:
Cravings will most certainly come, particularly over the first few weeks, and you need to develop a game plan on how to deal with them. Remember that cravings are the result of nicotine withdrawal and only last for a short amount of time, even minutes. When experiencing withdrawal, be prepared to endure bouts of crankiness, anxiety, or even depression.
Make a list of your smoking triggers – that is, certain activities, time periods of the day, or emotions such as stress or depression, that typically cause you to reach for a cigarette. You should be prepared to either deal with those triggers or avoid them altogether, if possible. If necessary, look into a nicotine replacement therapy option such as the patch or gum.
Staying accountable to friends and family who have been made aware of the fact that you’re kicking the habit can help in your quest, too. Local and national support hotlines, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW in the USA, can also be a great resource as you begin implementing your plan to quit smoking.
You may need a smoking cessation aid or product to help you quit smoking. Some of these products are available over the counter and others need a prescription from your doctor. Since stopping tobacco can cause withdrawal due to nicotine, there are FDA approved nicotine-containing products to help with smoking cessation. These products are called Nicotine Replacement therapy and include
There are other medications to aid with smoking cessation which does not have any nicotine. These are available by prescription only.
While the road to a smoke-free life can be filled with challenges and frustration, it’s important to keep the long-term goal in mind. Remember that, without smoking, you will enjoy the benefits of improved health and longevity – for you and your family.
This post was last modified on November 3, 2022 10:22 am
A lot of people need prescription meds almost every day, and a good portion of them are even life-saving enough… Read More
Hair loss can be a stressful experience for most individuals, impacting self-esteem and confidence. While there are various treatment options… Read More
Visiting the dentist is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. Dentistry encompasses a wide range of… Read More
Introduction Did you know that almost 3,56,000 people face an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year, and most of them are… Read More
The introduction of automation into biotechnology represents a dramatic change toward more accurate and productive production techniques. There are over… Read More
Blood screenings are essential diagnostic tools that analyse different components of your blood. They play a crucial role in assessing… Read More
The pouty, full-lipped look has become an enduring symbol of allure, beauty, and confidence. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett… Read More
In today's fitness landscape, there's a growing recognition that true health and wellness extend beyond just physical strength and muscle… Read More
In an era where self-care and wellness are paramount, red light therapy emerges as a revolutionary solution, promising a myriad… Read More
Achieving smooth, healthy, radiant skin relies on more than hope alone. A practical understanding of science-backed care principles combined with… Read More