So you think you want to stop smoking. But have you ever stopped to consider what exactly it is that makes you smoke? Most people start smoking in their teens, often because:
- They want to be ‘in’ with a particular group
- They find it hard to say ‘no’ when offered a cigarette
- They think smoking will keep them slim
- Smoking gives them confidence
- They want to look grown up
People usually stop thinking like that as they get older, so why do they continue to smoke? Well, the fact is that physical addiction to nicotine usually kicks in pretty quickly. To make things even harder, you also develop an emotional attachment to smoking, which makes it very difficult to stop. Can you relate to any of the following?
Quote
"It doesn’t matter how old you are. The doctor said 'Don’t give me this about being old!' Although you are old, you still feel the benefit of it."
- Joyce, Stirling
“I enjoy smoking”
Most smokers find it pleasurable and see a cigarette as a treat or reward. But the nicotine 'rush' you get when you inhale only feels good because it satisfies your craving.
“It calms me down”
If you want to test how relaxing smoking is, try taking your pulse before you light up, then again while you're smoking. Instead of stress relief, smoking actually speeds up your heart rate. And think about how stressed you get when you're somewhere you can't smoke.
“It helps control my weight”
Smoking does cause the body to waste some of the energy (calories) in food. People who quit smoking do sometimes put on a few pounds when they quit, but most lose it again as their body returns to its normal (non-smoking) state and needs less food energy.
Although smokers may weigh less, their habit may also negatively affect the shape of their body and the way they look generally.
“I'm hell to live with when I don't smoke”
It's true that some people get bad tempered when they stop smoking – that's one of the withdrawal symptoms. But you can get help to overcome these feelings and to feel positive about stopping.
“I'm too old to change now”
It's never too late to stop smoking, whatever your age. Quitting has benefits even for lifelong smokers. Don't worry if you've tried before – each time you learn more about yourself and your habit and are better prepared to give up as a result.
Smoking is part of your life, tied up with your moods and activities. Being aware of your personal triggers, when and why you smoke is half the battle when you try to stop smoking. Which cigarette would be the hardest to give up? The one you have when you're under pressure or at work, or the one when you’re out with your mates?
Further reading
Aspire is a magazine for people who are thinking about stopping smoking. It encourages you to think about why you want to stop, and whether this is the right time for you to try to break the habit. Reading it will prepare you better for giving up smoking and provide all the information you need to help you choose the best way for you to stop.