The What, When, Where, and Why of Smoking and What You Can Do To Help Stop Smoking

Prevention - Written By Former Smokers
From those that have quit smoking...to those that can quit smoking.

To a smoker the words "quit because it is killing you", probably will fall on deaf ears. People that never have smoked do not understand that smokers have to smoke. Should you approach a person with an eating disorder in the same manner, I am sure you would get the same reaction. One has to realize that people who do not smoke cannot understand the enjoyment the smoker gets from his cigarette. It would really be impossible to get a smoker to quit if he didn't want to. One must appeal to the smoker and give him an attractive alternative. My reason for quitting was that I wanted to do some important things before I died.

"I stopped smoking when I went biking with my husband and couldn't catch my breath. It took 4 hours for my lungs to stop hurting. I would give anything (almost) to have two cigarettes a day; one with my coffee and one after dinner. Those are the times I resist it the most. I know I'm a lot better off now. My lungs don't hurt."

One Doctor Recounts His Experience
"Feeling guilty" about smoking changed my behavior. "My young child -wouldgo to my smoking area "with a tinker toy and pretend to smoke," "I -would like to have a cigarette right now, the craving for one doesn't go away." "My best days are when I wake tip having dreamed about smoking." "I couldn't rationalize it anymore. Once you have decided to stop, you need to deal with the craving."


Tips On Quitting
• You have to want to stop more than you want to smoke.
• Identity times you like to smoke.
• Identify things that trigger smoking.
• Develop your healthy lifestyle plan.
• Find alternative rewards and ways of coping with the craving.
• Seek support. For example; subliminal tapes.
• Accept the fact that it is going to be difficult.
• You have to do it for yourself.
• Make a contract with yourself to quit.
• Be aware of your desire to eat more.
• Ask people not to smoke in your house.
• Don't linger at the table once you are finished eating, get up.
• Keep lots of healthy food available. For example: fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Start an exercise program. For example: go for a 20-30 minute walk every day.
• Remove the ashtrays from your car.
• Always keep gum on hand.
• Pick the nonsmoking sections in restaurants.
• Blow bubbles.
• Warn your family and friends that you maybe irritable.
• Go shopping
• Think positive-Forming new habits or patterns take time and be patient with yourself. Do something special for yourself-but make sure it is also good for you.

The information contained in this web site is presented for information purposes only, and is not intended to substitute in any way a consultation with a physician or competent healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.