I admithaving been addicted to smoking for at least 2 years. A lot of my friends actually tell me that it is very easy to stop. The problem was, they weren’t even smokers themselves. I’d like to share a few things on how I successfully got over the habit. I will never tell that it is easy, but only that it works. It does take a lot of commitmentand discipline if you want to completely eliminate the problem. Here are the ways which led to me being smoke-free.

Why You Like the Habit

Smoking becomes an addiction through the elements that products contain as well as the repetitive actions that gets you hooked to the habit. I researched a bit and discovered that nicotine particles enter the lungs via inhalation wheneverI puff a cigarette. It then travels into my bloodstream to the brain where it attaches to unique receptors. Dopamine is let go into my brain, giving me a very “high” feeling. As the habit gets worse, I start to become dependent on the pleasure, leading to addiction.

I also notice that I keep on looking for the feeling of having a cigarette stick in my hand, looking up to release the smoke then flicking the ash over a tray or the ground. I also liked the idea of taking my zippo out and just flipping the cover over and back simultaneously. The routine of lighting up a cigarette becomes a need over time.

Finding Alternatives

As a chain smoker before, I realized that it was not really just the cigarettes that I was addicted to. I just loved the sensationof having something in my mouth. I decided to look for good alternatives which gave me the same sensation such as popping a candy in my mouth whenever I felt like smoking and talking to friends. I kept all my cigar accessories in a wooden box where I couldn’t see them much.

I also looked for alternative places where I wouldn’t be tempted to smoke. I stayed away from bars and clubs and hung out in non-smoking and enclosed areas. I even looked for new people who would help me get away from the habit earlier. I found it very helpful to talk and discuss with other smokers who already quit. These individuals can be very motivational and encouraging if you feel depressed after quitting the habit.

Getting More Help

You can join counseling sessions and supportgroups who are more than willing to help you quit the bad habit entirely. Going to a doctor or nurse will also get you the necessary medical tools which will let you stop smoking for life. Some of the medicines that will let you concealyour cigarette case forever include getting a nicotine inhaler, nicotine patch or nicotine gum. Antidepressants may also be recommended to help you get over withdrawal symptoms.

Start eating healthy and improve your daily routine by adding adequate rest and exercise periods. I discovered that hitting the gym 3 times a week and running in the morning gave me a new kind of pleasureby staying fit. I no longer find the need to ruin my health and stamina by going back to smoking.

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