Motivation And Support Help To Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is a very difficult thing to do. This is because it is more than simply deciding you want to quit. Nicotine is as addictive as any drug. It is not really different than being addicted to cocaine or amphetamines. The body still has that pull to smoke cigarettes to satisfy the craving. Whatever the initial reason a person started to smoke, whether it was to fit in with their peers, needing something to do with their hands when they are nervous, wanting to appear grown-up, or just having tried smoking to experiment, it is a difficult habit to break.
If you are ready to take the plunge and give up smoking there are some things that you should know before you start. First, not everyone is able to do it the first time. That does not mean you will not be able to, but if you can’t do not feel like a failure. On average it takes more than one attempt to conquer a smoking addiction. The way to make it work is to look at your goal and prepare for it. Though many people quit cold turkey, deciding one day to do it and then just doing it, that is not necessarily the best way.
Some people gradually reduce before taking their last puff. This too can work for some because they have prepared themselves to quit. The only negative here is that some smokers find it hard to decide when they have cut down enough that it is time to stop. This can be a long stall for many who say they want to quit but are not sure if they really do.
One important thing to have in place before quitting is friends who will stand by you and help you reach your goal. Try to avoid situations where you are with people who smoke a lot. If this is your social scene than you need to make it clear you have chosen to stop and so would appreciate their help. This is one of the most important steps in quitting smoking. It can be even more complicated if your partner is a smoker. Sometimes couples will quit together. This is a very strong motivator for people. If you both quit you have each other as support and can give strength to each other during the early more difficult days.
Some people, who do not have a partner or feel they want to go it alone, will find support in other places. There are support groups for those who have quit smoking that will meet regularly. These will be other people who are quitting or have quit who want to be able to talk with people in the same position as they are. There are chat rooms where you can talk anonymously to others who are quitting and get advice or at least a good conversation. As well, there are professional counselors if this is what will help you get through the early difficult times. Motivation and a support system will help you to quit smoking.