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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