How to Quit Smoking – For Good
Smoking has been tagged the number one preventable cause of death in the U.S. It contributes to many health problems -lung cancer, stroke, heartburn, loss of sense of taste, cosmetic problems, infertility, and many others. Even among non-smokers, exposure to burning cigarettes and exhaled smoke (referred to as passive smoking) increases the risk of having these health problems.
If you decide to quit smoking however, there is good news for you as some of the damage caused by your smoking habits can be undone. Your risk the major health problems such as cancer is diminished.
If you are really serious about quitting your smoking habits, you should understand that it takes a lot of determination. Quitting is tough but achievable. In fact, studies show that smoking is one of the most difficult addictions to break, even harder than heroin. The good news for you is that, there are many strategies that have been applied that have given tremendous success.
Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of quitting smoking successfully and not relapsing during the crucial first few weeks:
1. Monitor Your Progress: in doing this you should first of all set a deadline up to three weeks away from the last time you smoke. But in the meantime, log each cigarette you smoke- where you smoke and under what conditions or circumstances (Don R. Powell, PhD). This will help you identify situations that cause you to smoke and then find alternative behaviors other than smoking cigarette.
2. Delay the Desire to Smoke: Quitting is supposed to be gradual and it is recommended that each time you have the urge to smoke, you should hold off lighting the cigarette for up to five minutes. Extend this time to ten minutes after some days, fifteen minutes for the next few days also, and so on. As time goes on you will find out that you are able to hold on for longer periods of time, and finally quitting.
3. Drink a Lot of Orange Juice: For those who want to quit cold turkey, getting through the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal is the hardest part. These withdrawal symptoms usually last about two weeks. Drinking a lot of orange juice during these two weeks will help you get over the irritability, anxiety, confusion, lack of concentration and troubled sleep that come with nicotine withdrawal.
Orange juice makes your urine more acidic and this clears nicotine from your body faster (Thomas Cooper, D.D.S). The citrus taste in your mouth will make the thought of smoking disgusting. For those who are quitting with the aid of doctor-prescribed nicotine gum or patches, avoid orange juice and other acidic drinks because these products keep nicotine in your system.
4. Picture it in Your Mind That You Have Flu: Many experts say that nicotine withdrawal symptoms are similar to the symptoms of flu- you have trouble concentrating, your energy levels are depleted, you get headaches, and so on. There is little you can do about the flu other than letting it run its course. You will certainly get over it. The withdrawal symptoms will cease in about two weeks if you don’t relapse and have a cigarette.
5. Stay Away From Bars: Several studies have shown that the greatest chances of relapsing occur in bars. According to Dr. Jorenby, for many people, having a drink in one hand means having cigarette in the other. It is therefore recommended that that you stay away from bars (or drinking at home) for a few weeks after you stop smoking. You can visit other places instead, like museums, cinemas, and other public places where smoking is prohibited.
6. Seek Support and Professional Advice: Whatever the quitting method you wish to employ, you have greater chances of success if you seek support from your family and friends. They will offer you a great deal of encouragement. Your doctor or counselor can also offer expert advice on the best way to go about it.
All these strategies can help you quit your smoking habit faster than you think. But remember that you need to put in a lot of effort and determination.
Source:ezinearticles.com
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