Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking will testify to just how difficult it can be.
To those who have never smoked, quitting seems like an easy, straight forward process. ‘Just don’t buy them’, and ‘Just stop’ are two common phrases non-smokers use when talking to a smoker. If only it were that easy! While there are alternatives out there, and e-cigarettes such as those from http://phoenixeliquid.co.uk/ are becoming an increasingly popular option, it is still a stressful and difficult process to give up an addiction. Below you’ll find the top 10 things only a quitter will understand.
1. Quitting is extremely difficult
Quitting smoking is not a walk in the park. If you tend to have an addictive personality, you’ll find it even harder to break the habit. The withdrawal symptoms are tough and the cravings can be extremely hard to handle.
2. Distractions are key
When quitting smoking, you’ll tend to come up with some fairly unique distractions. Keeping the mind off smoking is a full time job and you will need to be creative if you want to keep your mind off having one more fag. Smokefree.gov has some good suggestions on keeping distracted.
3. You’ll miss your smoking rituals
All smokers have a ritual they follow. It could be having a smoke as soon as they wake up, after meals and after a cup of coffee. The routine is hard to break.
4. It is impossible to be around other smokers
When quitting you need to keep yourself away from other smokers. Seeing them with a cigarette in their hand will only enhance your cravings.
5. Chewing gum doesn’t always work
Chewing gum has helped many people to quit, but it doesn’t always work. If you are used to smoking menthols the minty flavour will simply make you crave a cigarette.
6. Withdrawal symptoms last for weeks
As stated on the QuitSmokingSupport site, the symptoms of withdrawal typically last for up to two weeks. In many cases your body isn’t completely free of nicotine effects for six months.
7. Mood swings, insomnia and irritability
As you try and quit, mood swings, insomnia and irritability are a few of the worst withdrawal symptoms you will experience.
8. One day at a time
It is a lot harder to quit if you focus on long term goals. The key is to take it one day at a time.
9. Just one cigarette will restart the withdrawal process
You’ve been doing well but you cave in and have a cigarette a week after quitting. Just the one resets the withdrawal process and you’ll be back to feeling irritable and struggling with your cravings.
10. Not all smoking aids work
Many quitters have tried the patches and medication but it simply hasn’t worked. There is no magic cure. E-cigarettes have helped a lot of quitters, but the most important thing is you need to actually want to quit if you are to be successful.
Overall, giving up smoking is extremely tough and it requires a lot of willpower and dedication. There is help available but it helps to stay away from those who simply do not understand your struggle.
