Most of the people, who decide that they want to quit smoking, do so after finding that it is badly affecting their health. Smoking harms every organ in the body, with lungs the most affected. Even though it is known to lead to cancer, it is the difficulty in breathing and other chronic related illnesses, which make life very arduous. Imagine having to struggle to breathe every minute that you live, and you will soon know why a smoker does consider the need to stop smoking.
Tobacco contains a high percentage of nicotine, and this is a drug that is as habit forming and addictive as cocaine or heroin. This addiction causes withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit, and this is one of the main reasons why it is very hard to stop the habit. This addiction leads to mental and emotional dependence and it is only those who are successful in dealing with this dependence, who, are able to stop smoking. Nicotine actually reaches the brain much faster, than drugs that are injected intravenously. It causes pleasant feelings that induce the smoker to keep on smoking. The nervous system adapts to the nicotine, and this requires smoking additional cigarettes to get the same feelings. Withdrawal symptoms can lead to dizziness, depression, impatience, anger, frustration, anxiety, irritability, disturbed sleep, and headaches. The person will become restless and bored, will find food as a substitute and probably increase weight. The heart rate can slow down, sore throats, nasal drips, constipation and gas can all manifest themselves. People who are unable to bear the discomfort that come from all these symptoms will start smoking again.
If you do decide that you want to quit smoking address the mental dependence on nicotine by taking the help of counseling services. There is nothing shameful about reaching out to those who can help you. You can join groups, opt for telephone counseling and join stop smoking programs. The support of family and friends is very important, and there are many parents who get a lot of support in this effort, from children. Distract yourself whenever the urge to smoke is felt. Develop new hobbies or others that keep you interested and occupied.
The physical dependence on nicotine can be addressed by going in for some form of nicotine replacement therapy. This can be in the form of patches, sprays, inhalers, gums and lozenges. They do relive some of the withdrawal symptoms and make stopping smoking a little easier. E cigarettes and e-liquid have also been touted as a form of NRT, but as it is nicotine which sees continued use, its use as a means to stop smoking has to be doubted. There are people who quit smoking without resorting to any replacement therapy, but they are people who have very strong wills, a very good support system, and finally those who have very severe health problems.
Ultimately, it is a fact that you can only stop smoking, if you have the will power to do so. The success rate for people who do so without any help or medicines is five percent, while another 25 percent do so with the help of medicines and other therapies. You need to be convinced that there is an advantage to you if you stop smoking, whether it is to your health, your purse or your social standing. Stop smoking because it will help you to lead a healthier life and probably give you more energy than you have at present. Make the decision to quit, monitor your success one day at a time, and learn to deal with the withdrawal symptoms.