Frankie Question 4

Smoking Addiction – Stopping
The consequences of a smoking addiction -- from the health affects to the hardships on a smoker’s loved ones -- are strong reasons to quit. From the first moment a smoker rejects a cigarette, health benefits accrue. The question is this: how does one conquer a smoking addiction? If an addicted smoker quits cold turkey, he or she may experience powerful withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are physical and mental changes following interruption or termination of drug use. When a drug that the body has grown accustomed to is no longer ingested, the body enters a period of re-adjustment. If an addicted smoker is unaware of this re-adjustment time, he or she will have a harder time overcoming the addiction. Therefore, an addicted smoker should not attempt to quit in ignorance. He must know what to expect.

Many people experience symptoms like irritability, aggression, depressions, restlessness, poor concentration, increased appetite, light-headedness, waking at night, and cravings. These symptoms generally last between 2 and 4 weeks, but an increased appetite continues for several weeks.

A well-thought plan to overcome a smoking addiction is vital for success. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

* Nicotine replacement therapy methods such as chewing gum, skin patches, tablets, nasal sprays, or inhalers ease withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and mood changes. Studies show that these methods can almost double the chances of breaking a smoking addiction.
* Bupropion (tradename Zyban), which does not contain nicotine, can help an addicted smoker resist the urge to smoke.
* Accountability lends support. Do not try conquering your smoking addiction on your own.
* Pinpoint habits or locations that are associated with smoking and change the routine.
* Keep an accessible list of reasons for freedom from a smoking addiction which can be read when tempted to restart.
* Don’t give up. Full victory may come after a relapse. Try again, bearing in mind what might have triggered the setback.
* Remember, God can help.