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Quitting smoking can be difficult – all the motivations are there, the health benefits, smelling nicer, the financial saving, but for some people, willpower alone just isn’t enough. For some people using tobacco patches or chewing gum might help, but others still find quitting extremely difficult, and possibly even impossible.
Seeking help can be the answer, however. Many people find addictions extremely hard to fight on their own, and having someone to offer support and help makes all the difference. First, consider whether you will tell any friends or family. Those who will provide this support and assistance will be beneficial, but if you think they might be judgemental or make it harder, keep your plan to yourself.
Join an online quitting scheme. The NHS runs a program designed by smokers which offers support at those critical moments – you can get emails, texts, phone calls and letters to spur you on, and stop you giving in to temptation. They also run local stop smoking schemes, which allow you to meet others trying to stop smoking, and discuss what is working for you – or talk about something completely different, and distract yourself.
See your doctor. You may be able to get subsidized treatments such as chewing gum or patches to help you with the initial cravings, or to stop withdrawal symptoms. You might be an ideal candidate for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which is better for you then smoking, or nasal spray, which delivers the nicotine your body needs without you needing to smoke.
Finally, print off some information about why you should quit and use it to motivate you when you are really craving a cigarette – the benefits of smoking really are worth the effort!
