Quitting
The decision to quit smoking is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Overcoming a nicotine addiction will have great benefits to all aspects of your life, and that of those around you. It is not a decision to be made lightly. It is important to realize that the process will be difficult, and to plan for those challenges so that you do not become discouraged. The more you plan ahead, the better your chances of success.
When do you want to quit? Pick a date after which you will no longer smoke. Will that date be next week? Several weeks from now? Consider carefully before choosing the date. Make sure that it will be a date when you will commit seriously to no longer smoking, and not make excuses. For example if the winter holidays are coming up, and you know that you are overly stressed during that time, perhaps that would not be the best time to attempt to quit. Quitting smoking is the perfect New Year’s resolution, however (probably one you have made before) thus you may choose to make January 1st your quit date. You may want to choose your own birthday, or the birthday of a loved one. There is no better gift that you can give to yourself or to someone who cares about you. You may choose the first day of fall, winter, spring or summer as your quit date. Consider it a day of new beginnings and endless possibility.
Cold Turkey - Many people believe that the only way to quit smoking is to do so “cold turkey”. This phrase is generally understood to mean quitting abruptly without gradually tapering off and without the use of any cessation aids. What does “cold turkey” actually mean? There are several versions of the origin of this phrase. One version, from the early 1900’s uses the phrase to refer to something done without preparation, as preparing cold turkey requires little effort in the kitchen. Another, more graphic version uses the phrase to describe addicts, especially heroin addicts, in withdrawal. While in withdrawal these addicts tended to display pale skin pallor with goose bumps, much like a plucked turkey. This method of quitting is associated with lower rates of success than methods that employ the use of cessation aids.
Cessation Aids - Consult your physician regarding the appropriate cessation aid for you. There are several FDA-approved medications to assist smokers in quitting. Your physician may recommend nicotine gum, the patch, an inhaler or the oral medication, Bupropion SR. Once you and your physician have agreed on the best aid for you, use it only as directed.
Create New Habits - It will be important for you to not only eliminate smoking from your day, but to use the time and energy previously dedicated to smoking in other ways. Consider your habits surrounding smoking. Think about ways to change those habits and create new, healthy habits. For more detailed information regarding triggers, habits and rituals, see that section on our website.
Enlist Support
Overcoming your nicotine habit will require effort and dedication on your part. You will have a better chance of success if you don’t try to do it alone. Tell friends and family members that you are quitting. Ask for their help and encouragement. If any of them smoke, ask them to not offer you any cigarettes, and if possible, to not smoke around you. Join a support group like Quit Pals, attend smoking cessation seminars, obtain group, individual or telephone counseling. Asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness. There are many people who want to help and support you in your efforts to become healthy. Perhaps when you quit you can do the same for someone else.