Smoking in Decline?
Smoking rates have declined in the developed world to an all time low of about 20%. Unfortunately, smoking rates continue to rise in many of the developing nations. People smoke because they are addicted to nicotine but although nicotine has a negative impact on health, it is the other chemicals present in tobacco that are really harmful. The end result of nicotine addiction and tobacco consumption is cancer, heart attack and strokes. The great thing about quitting is that the health benefits are almost immediate. There is no doubt that quitting smoking is really hard.
The fact is, most smokers would like to quit, but nicotine is a difficult drug to give up and doesn't let go without a fight..
Factors Involved in Quitting Smoking
There are two important factors that will decide whether you can quit and remain smoke free forever. You must have a strong desire to stop smoking and the will power to carry you through to remain a non-smoker. It is essential to have the correct mind set. Formulate a quit smoking plan and follow it through. A quit smoking plan can be broken down into six simple stages geared toward returning you to the healthy state of a non-smoker. The first step is always the hardest- you need to think about quitting smoking.
Data suggests that 15 million smokers try to quit each year in the USA, although only 5% will be successful 12 months later. Most successful quitters have had more than one attempt before finally quitting for good. Don't despair if you fail, but never give up trying. For the second stage you need to consider the health effects of continuing to smoke. There is no way escaping the fact that hard medical evidence shows that smoking is extremely hazardous to health. The statistics don't lie. On average smokers will reduce their lifespan by 14 years.
Understand how smoking undermines your health. You need to be aware of the diseases and conditions directly caused by smoking tobacco. Some of the health consequences of smoking you will be aware of however, others are less well known but still deadly all the same. Stage 3 is about preparing to quit. Success is all about preparation and planning. Set goals and list all the reasons why you want to quit.4: Knowledge is power. Research your enemy, nicotine. Why is it such an addictive chemical? Come to terms with the real reason why you smoke. Acknowledge that you are a drug addict and addicted to the most addictive drug there is. Stage 5: Getting help.
Giving up smoking is hard but not impossible. There are numerous products and aids designed to help you quit. Not all products are effective and some are just designed to take your hard earned cash. Review each in turn examining their advantages and disadvantages so that you can decide which, if any, is the best product for you. Stage 6: Staying long term smoke free.
Quitting is easy. Staying long term smoke free is the really hard part. Most people relapse because nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms become unbearable. You must learn how to control nicotine cravings. Though intense, the urges don't last long. The trick is to resist these powerful, but short lived pangs. Deep breathing techniques and exercise help some.
Making Life Changing Decisions
Research indicates that the first three months are critical and most quitters will relapse during this crucial period. Quitting smoking is a life changing decision and remains the single most important thing you can do to significantly improve your health and welfare. Hopefully you can break free from nicotine addiction to achieve your ultimate goal of becoming and remaining a non-smoker.
George Davis is a professional scientist with 25 years experience as a Human Geneticist. His passion is helping smokers give up their deadly habit. If you are a smoker and are serious about quitting then visit Tips To Help Stop Smoking for no non-sense help and advice. TipsToHelpStopSmoking
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