subject: The first steps to quitting smoking [print this page] The first steps to quitting smoking The first steps to quitting smoking
For the most ardent smokers, quitting smoking can seem like an uphill struggle. People that have been smoking for several years in particular find it very difficult to quit as nicotine cravings may produce crippling physical reactions that lead to loss of concentration, bad moods and general unhappiness. However, while the first leg of any attempt to quit smoking will be unavoidably difficult, the advantages of quitting make these temporarily hard times worthwhile.
Instantly, you'll see a great impact on your wallet. High taxes mean that smoking is an expensive habit. Even if you only buy one or two packs a week, the overall impact on your budget will be a visible one so you'll have more money to spend on holidays, presents for family and friends or crucial household expenditure like your mortgage or car repayments. In the long-term, you're also likely to see an improvement in your health. You'll reduce the likelihood of contracting cancer, lung and heart diseases, and you'll also stop subjecting people around you to second-hand smoke.
So how can you get started with your new regime? Firstly, consider whether you're able to tackle the problem alone. If you feel you need support, or that you're more likely to quit when other people around you are also doing the same thing, seek out a local support group. You'll find groups that are devoted to helping people quit smoking across the UK, and these may be run by the NHS, private medical firms or by local community groups. In such an environment, you may be provided with the right amount of support, encouragement and attention you need to kick the habit.
Once you've established a local support base, concentrate on practical steps to take you to your goal. Quitting smoking is now such an important health priority that businesses and governments around the world have devoted much attention and investment into nicotine replacement methods. As a result, nicotine patches and nicotine gum may be available from your local doctor. Other nicotine replacement products include microtabs, lozenges and even nasal spray to help you get your nicotine fix without resorting to smoking.
However, it's important to remember that the process of quitting smoking is different for each person. Nicotine replacement therapy may not be right for you and instead, you may benefit from the application of psychological pressure - for example, by forcing yourself to think of cigarettes as 'disgusting' or by constantly reminding yourself of the positive effects that stopping smoking will have on your life. Moreover, you may simply find that your hands feel idle now that they don't have cigarettes to hold. Keeping a stash of sugar-free lollipops in your pocket or handbag and placing one in your hand or mouth each time a craving strikes may take care of this.
