Getting Help
QUITTING smoking is NOT easy. Ask any true smoker! For many, quitting is likely to be the hardest thing they’ll do in their lives. Sometimes, self-control and strong will just aren’t enough. Even when many considerations as to why they should stop is plain to see, it’s still a goal that seems way out of their reach.
Let’s look at some of those considerations.
It’s said that apart from the obvious – damage to the lungs, smoking also promotes infections and can actually affect bones. Osteoporosis is one condition that long-term smoking can aggravate, weakening the body from within.
It can upset the brain’s ability to think clearly and affect memory.
It’s proven that nicotine is highly addictive and that is a well-known fact, but not as many realise that it’s not necessarily the nicotine that causes the most damage to the smoker, but the substances and chemicals in the cigarette that is being ingested with every inhalation.
It is said that smokers are more at risk of developing diabetes; the risk is even higher for inactive middle-aged men.
It’s been long understood that smoking even affects the skin, promoting wrinkles and reducing the elasticity of the skin everywhere.
Reports also suggest that smokers become disturbed sleepers, often unable to sleep soundly. This, in turn also goes towards being less able to think clearly.
Smokers are prone to ulcers, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal issues.
There are many more reasons to consider quitting. Some can be quite clear cut, and others can be otherwise obscure, but no less important to consider.
Getting help and support is easy, where ever you are, there are organisations and services dedicated to helping folks kick the habit. Here in the UK, the obvious starting point would be the NHS. They actually have a free Quit Smoking app you can download and use via Google Play, or from the App Store. Also visiting a GP is an option, but there are other avenues of help that you can use.
Calling 0300 84 84 84 could be a good start. A quit smoking support line that is open from 8 am to 10 pm on weekdays. On weekends the line is open from 11 am to 4 pm or visit the Better Health: Quit Smoking page.
A Quitting Plan
Finally, let’s look at an effective strategic plan for quitting for good.
(Remember that this is just a guide, if you want more information or guidance then you might want to check this out: Free Personal Quitting Plan. This may be more beneficial to you.)
GP–perhaps your first step will be to visit your GP. Talk about what you want to do, and if you feel you need it, ask for medication to help you in your quest. A GP would be the person to advise on the right course of action and medication for you if the GP thinks you need to go down that route.
Reasons–try making a list of reasons you’re quitting. It may help you to read it through when you need a little motivation. Don’t be afraid to include specific goals if you wish. That will help you gauge yourself. It should provide targets to reach that you can regularly check and tick off as you achieve them. NEVER beat yourself up when you feel you’re struggling more than expected. Always reward yourself when you do well and encourage yourself when you don’t do so well. As long as you’re moving forward; you’re a winner!
Etch it in stone–decide to quit and put a date to it. Hold yourself to that date, tell family and friends so they too are aware. This is not to put you under pressure, but to encourage you not to step away from the decision you’ve made. You’ll need a framework to which you can work, so try making a basic plan for yourself. Strive to keep your mind off things. Arrange for something special to do to reward yourself when taking that first positive step. (Don’t be tempted to reward yourself with food – such as a favorite box of chocolates! You’ll be compounding the issues you already have to deal with.)
Remember, the very day you stop entitles you to call yourself a non-smoker!
Mutual Support–a frank discussion with a friend or family member who is also a smoker is a good idea. If they are open to quitting too, you can support and encourage each other to succeed.
Don’t struggle alone–if you find it becomes a struggle, you can always go back to the stop-smoking services for extra help and support when you need it.
Food Trap–be aware of idle hands and mouth! Many people fall into the trap of eating and snacking more, simply because they miss the act of sucking on a cigarette. Don’t have snacks in easy reach. When you go out, it’s said buying a drink to occupy the hand that usually holds a cigarette is a good distraction. Perhaps using a straw to drink would also help. Just be conscious of all the little things you do that tie in with smoking. Don’t worry, it’s not something you will need to do for the rest of your life necessarily. However, for the next 6 to 8 weeks, it’s going to be very important for you to do this. If you can make it through the first couple of months without a cigarette, your chances of quitting for good sky-rockets!
The 5 Minute Crave–there will be many occasions, particularly in the early days when you will get a craving for a cigarette. Believe it or not, cravings are quite short-lived. Usually, they last around five minutes, even though it may feel much, much longer than that! Have a few different strategies up your sleeve that you can put into action as a prudent defence anytime you get a craving. Be as creative as you like as long as it covers that five-minute period of craving. The important thing here is to be prepared; you know they are going to happen, so put a plan in place to tackle them when they occur. This applies to withdrawal symptoms. You may get them, so don’t be caught off-guard by them. Have a strategy planned for that too.
We should never forget about family and friends. They can often provide help and much-needed encouragement, helping to support our efforts. It’s always good to include them, and talk about our intentions; this is not something that anyone has to do alone.
Other Links that may be of use:
Stop Smoking Aids – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stop-smoking-treatments/
Local Stop Smoking Service – https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/
