While it is generally accepted that smoking cigarette is bad for your health, about 12.5% of adults over the age of 18 still smoke. If you are one of these adults, you know how addictive they are and how tough it is to quit smoking for good. Perhaps you want to quit and aren’t sure where to start, or you are looking for how to help someone quit smoking.
These how to quit smoking methods will help you kick the habit once and for all.
Avoid Your Triggers
Think about when and where you smoke most often. For most people, these are triggers that create an automatic craving reaction. For some, the trigger could be parties or bars. For others, it could be while driving or when experiencing stress.
Identify your triggers and try to avoid them. That way, you don’t set yourself up for a relapse. If you can’t avoid your trigger, come up with ways you can redirect your cravings.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
One of the most popular ways to quit smoking is to address tobacco cravings head-on. Your body craves the nicotine, not the actual tobacco. You can use nicotine replacement therapy to help reduce the intensity of the cravings while you quit.
Methods for this type of therapy include inhalers, nasal spray, gum, patches, or lozenges. These are all prescription therapies that you will need to obtain with a doctor’s oversight.
Another popular option that people have turned to is electronic cigarettes. You can learn more about them and how they do not have traditional cigarettes’ offensive taste or smell.
You Can’t Have Just One
As with any addict, having “just one” is a slippery slope to becoming a user again. So just like alcoholics cannot have an occasional beer, you cannot have an occasional cigarette. Smoking one will trigger your body to want the nicotine and push you into regularly smoking again.
Remember, you are trying to quit, so don’t make it harder on yourself. Continuing to smoke the odd cigarette here and there will only delay your progress.
Ask for Support
You don’t have to quit on your own. Instead, lean on your support system of friends and family. They will likely be thrilled with your decision to quit and will be more than happy to help you succeed.
Have someone you can call when the cravings get too strong for you to fight on your own. Arrange to go for a walk, work out, or do another physical activity weekly. This helps your body fight the cravings both mentally and physically.
Give these how to Quit Smoking Methods a Try
If you are ready to say goodbye to smoking, give these how-to-quit smoking methods a try. Gather your support system, visit your doctor for a nicotine replacement, and change your habits to avoid your triggers. With time, your cravings will lessen, and you will be living a smoke-free life.