Quitting concerns
In order to be really ready to stop you need to tackle any problems or excuses. Look at the following list of common quitting concerns:
"I don't want to put on weight"
Some people do gain weight when they give up smoking, but many don't. Once you've kicked the habit you should have more energy and feel fitter so losing a few pounds, if you need to, should be fairly easy. Remember you've got the rest of your life to work on eating healthily and taking regular exercise.
In the meantime, try not to eat more than you usually would, and avoid high calorie foods that you wouldn't normally eat.
"Smoking helps me cope with stress"
Actually, nicotine is a stimulant. It only seems to make you feel calm. When your nicotine level falls, you feel edgy because of the withdrawal. So you smoke to boost your nicotine level. This relieves the withdrawal, making you feel less stressed. What felt like stress was actually caused by a craving. Break the addiction and you will feel less stressed.
"I don't have any will power"
Will power is like a muscle - you can build it up. Will power comes from wanting something badly enough, and being determined.
"I'm worried about withdrawal symptoms"
When you stop smoking you are withdrawing from nicotine and from a powerful habit. It takes time to clear the drug from the body and break the habit.
Symptoms you may experience are hunger, tiredness, irritability, and poor concentration, but these symptoms don't usually last more than a few weeks. You can help yourself by using nicotine replacement therapy.
"It's too late - the damage is probably done"
The risk from smoking builds up, so the sooner you stop the better. As soon as you give up, the risk of serious disease starts going down.
"I'd rather just cut down gradually"
Cutting down means you are constantly thinking about your next cigarette. And it can make withdrawal symptoms worse. Try to stop completely on day one.
"It isn't the right time"
There are bad times to stop - when you're under particular stress, for example. But it's easy to use this as an excuse.
Remember - stopping smoking will change your life forever!
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Based on information taken, with permission, from "Smoking: Giving Up For Life" and "Stopping Smoking Made Easier" produced by The National Assembly for Wales
