Motivation is Crucial

Psychologists will tell you that people move towards pleasurable experiences and away from painful or uncomfortable ones. While this may seem obvious, it provides the key to understanding why so many people have difficulty giving up smoking, fattening foods, or other “pleasures.” They simply attach too much joy to the experience, and too much pain to giving it up.

The secret to successful smoking cessation is therefore to attach more pleasure to not smoking and more discomfort to dragging on that cigarette.

Benefits of Not Smoking

• You will lower your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, cancer, bronchitis and pneumonia.
• The people with whom you live, especially your children, will be healthier.
• Your skin will look younger, longer.
• If you are pregnant, you will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
• You will have more money to spend on the things you want.

You may consider using a journal to record the way you feel when you are craving a cigarette, and how you overcame that craving. Find pleasurable things to do when you feel the need to smoke, such as taking a pleasant stroll or eating a healthy candy or piece of fruit. You may want to chew gum while you are experiencing the urge. Whatever you choose to do instead of smoking a cigarette, you should make sure it gives you some kind of personal gratification.

Turning Yourself Off

Just as you have found something pleasant to do instead of having a smoke, so you should find something unpleasant to do if you give into the whim. Standing outside in the rain, switching brands to one you hate, or drinking milk (which, while healthy, is considered by many to be incompatible with smoking), are all unpleasant activities that will help turn you off.

Smoking Cessation Aids

If, despite the above suggestions, you continue to crave a cigarette, you might wish to invest in a smoking cessation aid such as transdermal nicotine patches. These patches are applied to the skin, where they release a small amount of nicotine. Patches are generally applied in “steps” using those that release the highest amount of nicotine (Step 1) first, and gradually working down to the weakest strength of nicotine (Step 3).

If you have any questions about quitting smoking, please talk to your London Drugs pharmacist. He or she will be happy to help you develop a personalized plan to stop smoking and to provide support during this very important transition.