Nicotine: A Powerful Addiction
If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how hard it can be. It is hard
because nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as
addictive as heroin or cocaine.
Quitting is hard. Usually people make 2 or 3 tries, or more, before finally
being able to quit. Each time you try to quit, you can learn about what helps
and what hurts.
Quitting takes hard work and a lot of effort, but you can quit smoking.
Good Reasons for Quitting
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do.
* You will live longer and live better.
* Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack,
stroke, or cancer.
* If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your
chances of having a healthy baby.
* The people you live with, especially your children, will be
healthier.
* You will have extra money to spend on things other than
cigarettes.
Five Keys for Quitting
Studies have shown that these five steps will help you quit and quit for good.
You have the best chances of quitting if you use them together.
1. Get ready.
2. Get support.
3. Learn new skills and behaviors.
4. Get medication and use it correctly.
5. Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations.
1. Get Ready
* Set a quit date.
* Change your environment.
1.Get rid of ALL cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
2.Don't let people smoke in your home.
* Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked and what did
not.
* Once you quit, don't smoke-NOT EVEN A PUFF!
2. Get Support and Encouragement
Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you
have help. You can get support in many ways:
* Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you are going
to quit and want their support. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave
cigarettes out.
* Talk to your health care provider (for example, doctor,
dentist, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, or smoking counselor).
* Get individual, group, or telephone counseling. The more
counseling you have, the better your chances are of quitting. Programs are
given at local hospitals and health centers. Call your local health department
for information about programs in your area.
3. Learn New Skills and Behaviors
* Try to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to
someone, go for a walk, or get busy with a task.
* When you first try to quit, change your routine. Use a
different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a
different place.
* Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot bath,
exercise, or read a book.
* Plan something enjoyable to do every day.
* Drink a lot of water and other fluids.
4. Get Medication and Use It Correctly
Medications can help you stop smoking and lessen the urge to smoke.
* The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five
medications to help you quit smoking:
1.Bupropion SR-Available by prescription.
2.Nicotine gum-Available over-the-counter.
3.Nicotine inhaler-Available by prescription.
4.Nicotine nasal spray-Available by prescription.
5.Nicotine patch-Available by prescription and over-the-counter.
* Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read
the information on the package.
* All of these medications will more or less double your
chances of quitting and quitting for good.
* Everyone who is trying to quit may benefit from using a
medication. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under
age 18,
smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition,
talk to your doctor or other health care provider before taking medications.
5. Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations
Most relapses occur within the first 3 months after quitting. Don't be
discouraged if you start smoking again. Remember, most people try several times
before they finally quit. Here are some difficult situations to watch for:
* Alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking lowers your chances
of success.
* Other Smokers. Being around smoking can make you want to
smoke.
* Weight Gain. Many smokers will gain weight when they quit,
usually less than 10 pounds. Eat a healthy diet and stay active. Don't let
weight gain distract you from your main goal-quitting smoking. Some
quit-smoking medications may help delay weight gain.
* Bad Mood or Depression. There are a lot of ways to improve
your mood other than smoking.
If you are having problems with any of these situations, talk to your doctor or
other health care provider.
Special Situations or Conditions
Studies suggest that everyone can quit smoking. Your situation or condition can
give you a special reason to quit.
* Pregnant women/new mothers. By quitting, you protect your
baby's health and your own.
* Hospitalized patients. By quitting, you reduce health
problems and help healing.
* Heart attack patients. By quitting, you reduce your risk of a
second heart attack.
* Lung, head, and neck cancer patients. By quitting, you reduce
your chance of a second cancer.
* Parents of children and adolescents. By quitting, you protect your
children and adolescents from illnesses caused by second-hand smoke
Rgds,
Kristi
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www.My-OnlineBusiness.net
