Methods You Can Take To Give Up Smoking
Addiction is defined as a compulsive physiologic and psychological need for a habit forming substance. Nicotine addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to give up. In fact, the nicotine is as addictive as cocaine and heroin. Aside from altering your mood temporarily, nicotine affects your body by elevating blood pressure, as well as making your heart beat and breathing faster. Nicotine tricks your mind by pairing danger with pleasure. A single stick of cigarette contains a bevy of carcinogenic substances, tar just being one of them.
Some believe that since smoking is a learned behavior, hence, it can be easily unlearned. In reality, the reason which compelled people to try smoking is not the same reason why they can’t quit it. Simply because, the brains of chronic smokers are rewired to find smoking a physiologically and psychologically rewarding experience, much like food is to an emotional eater. Deprived of its usual dose of nicotine, the body reacts by manifesting unpleasant symptoms like edginess, headaches, inability to sleep, and intense craving for cigarettes.
Quit smoking ideas
Tobacco addiction can be curbed by several approaches. First, is unassisted cessation or cold turkey, the idea is you quit smoking abruptly and completely. It is not at all impossible; in fact, up to 75% of ex-smokers have used the same approach. Alternatively, you can use nicotine replacement therapy like patches or other single medications like varenicline. Another option is using electronic cigarettes which gives you the same sensory experience without the harmful chemicals.
Smoking Cessation Alternatives
There are also ways to help you quit smoking in a natural way. St.John’s Wort for example have been used for years to help those who quit smoking cope with withdrawal. Another option which is low risk is acupuncture. It can be a viable option to lessen your stress levels without having to rely on nicotine. Another natural quit smoking method is exercise which can help with withdrawal symptoms of anger, and irritability.
Understandably, it is hard to quit smoking. All it needs is that first step, and to acknowledge that it is going to be a long drawn out process. You can start by gradually decreasing the number of sticks you consume in a day, or to discard a stick once half of it is already smoked. Also, stay away from situations that tempt you to smoke.
