Kicking the Psychological Habit

I know you’ve heard about the health benefits of quitting smoking.  I’m sure that you’ve read the literature on how second hand smoke affects those who are exposed to it.  But if you are reading this, chances are that you or someone you care about is having a serious problem quitting.  If this is the case then it may be time to admit that you have an addiction.

Yes, nicotine addiction is a physical issue in that the body becomes dependent on the ingested nicotine; the truth of the matter is that, like most addictions, an addiction to smoking cigarettes is more often than not a psychological issue.  Indeed, if you have tried every possible method of quitting and still can’t stop puffing, you may want to take a different approach.

Do You Remember Why You Started?

Do you remember why you started smoking to begin with?  It is important to get to the root of your addiction, and being open and honest about why you began can be the first step to kicking the habit for good.  Were you trying to impress someone?  Was it peer pressure?  Was it a means of reducing stress or improving your self-image or an attempt to control your weight?  Don’t make excuses!  Go ahead and write out what you remember about the first few times you smoked and about why you felt the need to continue.

You will find that there may be issues with individuals (boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, siblings etc.) that bubble to the surface when you start looking honestly at the reasons you started smoking.  Some of these memories may be painful.  If you find that they are too much to deal with on your own, find yourself a good counselor and explore some of the painful memories that you stir up.

But Why Do You Smoke Now?

It is not enough to remember why you started.  You also have to be honest with yourself about why it is that you smoke now.  After all, chances are that it has been a while since you started smoking.  You’re older, wiser, and more knowledgeable about all the problems that accompany the nicotine habit.  So what keeps you going back to the store over and over again and forking over a small fortune for your favorite smokes?

The reasons why you continue may actually surprise you.  You’ve developed the habit of smoking, yes, but you may also find that you always light up in specific situations or as a prelude (or postlude) to certain activities or around certain people. Many people find that they smoke when they are bored or worried.  Don’t judge yourself just yet, just become aware of what you are feeling or thinking about when you light up.  Keep track of how much you smoke, when, where and with whom.  The results of this self-analysis may be eye-opening.

Kicking the Mental Habit

While there are any number of aids to help your physical addiction to smoking (you can get an idea of the variety available at The Passionate Life Store page) if you find that your addiction is more mental than physical, investing in regular counseling to explore the deeper reasons behind your addiction may be just what you need to kick the nicotine habit for good!

By aislinn on fiverr.com