Say Goodbye to Cigarettes: Kicking an Addiction

Smoking is a highly addictive habit, and trying to quit can be one of the hardest things a person has ever done. Smoking is destructive to your health, causing heart disease and lung cancer, among many other problems. The wisest choice is to never begin smoking in the first place, but once you've started it is hard to stop. Television blasts dozens of commercials for nicotine patches, chewing gums, and even oral medication. Yet any of these supplements will not work without some behavior modification. So when you are ready to quit, here are some ways to get started.

First, throw away the cigarettes. Don't try to convince yourself to "cut down" or "wean off" the habit. If you have cigarettes in your house, you will smoke them. Don't give yourself access to the temptation. If you always buy your cigarettes at a certain convenience store, don't go to that store anymore. Shop at a different supermarket or buy gas at different gas station. If you typically buy cigarettes when you buy gas, then try paying for your fuel at the pump so you won't even have to step foot through the door.

Second, identify your motivation for smoking. Do you smoke when you're bored? Is smoking a way to relax and unwind? Once you understand your motivations, you can begin to find substitutes to make quitting easier.

If you smoke when you're bored, then try other activities to keep your hands busy. Keep a pencil handy to doodle, or carry a stress ball to roll around in your hands. You could try painting or doing crossword puzzles. Try anything you enjoy to distract yourself from the desire to light up.

If you smoke to wake yourself up, find other stimulating activities. You can get the same "high" and adrenaline rush from a brisk walk or run. While caffeine isn't the best substance for your health, substituting a cup of coffee in place of a cigarette would be a beneficial trade off. Breaking the caffeine habit is a lot easier than kicking the cigarette addiction.

from:Amber Benge, published Aug 27, 2008, "Say Goodbye to Cigarettes: Kicking an Addiction - Associated Content." 1 Sep. 2008 .