How to STOP smoking - and to STAY stopped

Archive Sections
	General News
	Local Groups' Activities
	Business & Finance
	Property Pointers
	Travel & Getaway
	Health & Wellbeing
	Art, Media & Craft
	Music / Performance
	Event Reviews
	Wildlife/Environment
	Sporting Activities
	Horticulture
	Hoots and Havers
	Guest Columns
	Useful Links
	Comment Online

How to STOP smoking - and to STAY stopped

AS WE APPROACH the introduction of the smoking ban in late March, are you amongst the many who are considering stopping, or have you tried and not quite made it?

The issues that need to be addressed in smoking cessation are far reaching. So, let’s start at the very beginning. When a person starts smoking it is usually for a reason. Please be aware that, whatever the reason was, it was the best possible choice at that moment in time. Most people started smoking to “be part of the crowd”, to look cool, to be sophisticated, to be grown up or, perhaps, to rebel. The act of smoking became associated with whatever the reason was for smoking. Then smoking becomes a habit.

As you have progressed through life, various changes may have taken place. In the here and now:

o The original reason(s) have disappeared and have not been replaced by any others;

o The reason(s) may be the same as it was when you started;

o The original reason(s) may have disappeared, but others now take their place;

o The reason(s) may consist of the original reason, with others that have accumulated as you have arrived at the person you are today.

If you find yourself at position number one, then, you could give up smoking with relative ease. If you are in any of the other groups, the chances are that you will revert back to smoking, or you will transfer that habit onto something else - like eating.

For example, if a reason for smoking is for comfort, the person could stop smoking, but start overeating as a comfort. The habit will continue, but in a new form. These choices are buried with the unconscious mind and will simply keep running whatever habit they support. The habit of smoking has to be disassociated with the reasons for smoking.

Rewiring to Quit

The only way to cease smoking successfully is to have these choices ‘rewired’ to promote a healthier life style. Once this has been completed, then it is a question of eradicating the habit.

Eliminating the habit raises other issues to consider. For some, a change of diet can improve the reduction of withdrawal symptoms. Another reason why people move from smoking to over eating can be due to the sudden drop in sugar intake. In each cigarette, there is half a teaspoon of sugar, therefore part of the treatment has to address the physiological change of sugar levels in the blood, and cravings for sweet food.

Next there are the issues relating to removing the ‘triggers’ that prompt you to smoke. Future pacing helps you to see yourself as a successful non-smoker and, finally, there are checks for ecology and ‘congruence’.