'TAKING
THE EDGE OFF NICOTINE'S GRIP'
Smoking
is an age old habit and the bane
of many an unsuspecting victim. Most smokers started as teenagers wanting to
look cool to their friends. Even today cigarettes despite regulations are easy
for teenagers to obtain. A
cigarette here and there with friends is becoming a daily thing and suddenly
the unsuspecting youngster is hooked.
Today,
tobacco smoking is the cause of one-third of all cancer deaths and one-fourth
of all fatal heart attacks in the United States alone. The American Lung
Association reports that 350,000 Americans die every year from smoking which
equals more than the combined deaths from alcohol, illegal drugs, traffic
accidents, suicide and homicide. Smoking is also linked to several degenerative illnesses and is directly
linked to bronchitis, hypertension, varicose veins, liver and kidney disease
and gum disease.
I
could go on and on with more facts about smoking, but it won't help you quit or
you would have done so by now.
The
real question? Why do so many Americans continue to choose this dangerous
habit? Research on addiction indicates that nicotine works much like heroin,
cocaine, and alcohol. In fact, in one study where nicotine was intravenously
administered to volunteers familiar with the effects of illegal drugs many of
them said they could not tell the difference between cocaine and nicotine
producing the same pleasurable physical and psychological sensations.
Indeed
we do have a great deal of information about how bad the weed is for one's
health, but not enough about how to quit. We could use an AA for smokers. A
twelve step program of support and recognition as to how helpless we have
become about a habit that wrecks our health and keeps us psychologically hooked.
Here
are some things I found in research for this article that may help you quit-
The
urge to smoke lasts from three to five minutes. Although it is difficult, wait
it out and remember who is in charge.
Most
individuals want to smoke when they are stressed. Get in touch with what that
stress is, label it then work to diffuse it.
Talk
gently with yourself when the urge to smoke comes reassuring yourself that you
can do this.
Hypnosis
has been proven successful for thousands of individuals. Seek out a
professional and don't expect that you will be able to quit after one session.
The
herb Lobelia is the active ingredient in many smoke deterrent preparations. Use
minute doses to help nicotine suppress cravings.
Slippery
Elm throat lozenges can soothe the cough that can accompany kicking the habit.
Suck on a lozenge rather than a smoke.
Of
course there are more traditional methods such as the nicotine patch that have
successfully helped thousands of individuals to quit. Choose the method that
you feel is the most suited to your needs and remember who's in charge. Till
next time, Rebecca