GUEST EDITORIAL: Helpful Tips to Stop Smoking for Good

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/ryBnRg4c3L0

Helpful Tips to Stop Smoking for Good

by Kevin Gardner

Are you ready to stop smoking – for good? Are you tired of the gimmicks and products that just don’t work? If so, you probably need some proven tips that will help you achieve the desired results – to help you become a non-smoker, for good.

It’s a good idea to start by speaking to your doctor. You can also research different products and tools to help you with your goal, such as the Thrive patch. After doing that, remember some of the tips below to help you achieve your goal.

Find the Reason You Want to Quit

If you want to stay motivated, you need a personal and powerful reason to put the cigarettes down. One reason may be to protect your family and friends from the dangers of secondhand smoke. You may also want to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, lung cancer, or other health issues. Your reason for stopping is unique to you; however, knowing what it is can help you as you work to become a non-smoker.

Have a Plan When Going “Cold Turkey”

It’s important to remember that there is more to stopping smoking than just getting rid of your cigarettes. Smoking and tobacco cause an addiction. Your brain will be hooked on nicotine. When you stop smoking (especially if you go cold turkey), then you will go through withdrawal. Be sure to have support in place before getting started. You may also want to talk to your doctor about the methods that will assist you in stopping smoking. You should also choose the day you will quit.

Think About Nicotine Replacement Therapy 

If you decide to stop smoking, the withdrawal from nicotine may cause headaches, reduce your energy levels, and impact your mood. The craving for just one cigarette will be hard to ignore. To help eliminate these urges, consider nicotine replacement therapy. Using nicotine patches, lozenges, and the gum will help improve your likelihood of success.

Ask About Prescription Pills

There are now medicines you can take to help reduce your cravings. They can also help make smoking less satisfying if you happen to pick up a cigarette. Some other drugs will help to ease the withdrawal symptoms you feel, such as issues with concentration and depression.

Have Support

Tell your friends, family members, and others about your goal of becoming a non-smoker. These are the people who can help encourage you to keep going. This can be especially helpful when you are tempted to light up. It may also be beneficial to join a support group or to speak to a counselor. Going to behavioral therapy can help you find effective strategies to help you stop smoking.

Try to Find New Ways to Unwind

One of the most common reasons people start smoking is because the nicotine will help them relax. After you quit, you need to find new and better ways to start unwinding. There are several options for you to consider. You can start exercising, listen to your favorite music, go out with friends, schedule a massage, or even find a new hobby. The goal is to avoid stress as much as you can, especially in the first few weeks after you have stopped smoking.

Avoid Triggers Like Alcohol

When you drink, you will find it is harder to stick to your goal of not smoking. Because of this, you should try to limit your alcohol consumption when you first stop smoking. If you usually smoke when drinking coffee, it is a good idea to eliminate this for a few weeks. You have to find ways to replace smoking with other activities.

Stop Smoking for Good

If you are ready to stop smoking for good, be sure to keep the tips and advice found above in mind. These will help you achieve your goal of being a non-smoker and ensure that you stay that way for the foreseeable future. You can also get your doctor involved, as they will be able to provide advice about what you can do to kick the habit for good.