If you are looking for some advice on how to quit smoking, then it seems you really want to do it. This is a very important step, because many people say that they intent to stop smoking, but they actually do nothing about it.
Before starting with your effort, you need to answer a couple of questions; try to think why you want to quit smoking. What the reasons are. Are they health related? Is it a combination of social reasons? If you keep the original reason always in your mind you will be motivated enough, so as to stop smoking soon. Keep in mind that quitting smoking is a constant battle and you need to be able to derive strength from something. Knowing why you are doing it, will help you stay focused at all times.
Smoking is a habit, thus, the psychological effect is already strong. Here comes the second set of questions. What makes you smoke? Are you a social smoker? Do you smoke when you are bored? Do you like smoking while having a cup of coffee or a drink? So you smoke because you are nervous? Most people who smoke for a long time are able to identify what kind of smokers they are. This can help them deal with the mental and psychological weight easier.
Except for the mental part though, there is the physical effect. Most people are addicted to smoking. Trying to quit smoking is not something that can happen overnight, thus you need to find something that will substitute cigarettes at the beginning. Some people tend to eat more, some others bite their nails. Keep in mind that most of them are mental driven behaviours. If you decide you don’t want to eat more, do not do it.
Try to find support among your friends and relatives. Share your goals with them and let them support you and encourage you through rough times. You will be surprised to see how helpful that can be during the difficult first period.
Increased irritability is one of the strangely accepted facts about quitting smoking. As nicotine is slowly removed from the bloodstream, you become irritable and unable to concentrate. Why?
The accepted scientific cause for irritability is that it’s a part of nicotine withdrawal, and has to be dealt with just like the rest of the symptoms of withdrawal. This isn’t exactly the case, however.
Virtually everybody who quits smoking begins to regret their decision a few days in, as their learned connection between daily activities and smoking cause them to have cravings for cigarettes. You become frustrated weighing the benefits of quitting versus the immediate gain of being able to concentrate instead of constantly thinking about smoking.
It’s all understandable, I went through the same thing the first few times I tried quitting smoking, unsuccessfully, I might add. Eventually, you give in to the cravings and go right back to smoking. Alternatively, you could stick to your guns and push through…and keep having the cravings for months. That doesn’t sound very fun at all.
The trick to quitting smoking and not having to look back is to convince your mind, from the beginning, that it doesn’t need cigarettes in order to function. Remember, non-smokers don’t feel the urge to light up when they’re stressed, why should you?
You feel the urge to smoke when, for example, you’re stressed because you’ve trained your mind to believe that smoking somehow eases your stress. Sure, it may take your mind off the fact that you’re stressed, but it doesn’t really solve anything.
In an increasingly intolerant society, few groups are more restricted than smokers. Practitioners of the once-popular pastime have found themselves relegated from public places for fear of offending those who object to the habit.
Technology, however, may have created a solution that will allow smokers and nonsmokers to share space without compromising their values.
SmokeStik, a leader in tobacco-free smoking, is offering a unique device that resembles a traditional cigarette – providing a genuine smoking experience, including “smoke,” without the harmful and annoying side effects of tobacco smoke.
“It’s a great alternative for those who enjoy smoking,” said Bryan Culwell, local licensee of SmokeStik products. “The e-cigarette has none of the tar, carbon monoxide or cancer-causing chemicals found in traditional cigarettes.”
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–>Nor does it produce odor or ashes. In fact, SmokeStiks never even get hot to the touch, so there’s no risk of accidental burns or injuries. But they do produce smoke – sort of. Actually, the e-cigarette produces an odorless mist or vapor that looks and feels a lot like real cigarette smoke. It doesn’t have an offensive odor because it’s nothing but water vapor.
Using technology developed in Asia, the e-cigarette consists of a rechargeable lithium battery, an atomizer and a mouthpiece that holds the user’s choice of cartridges.
Smokers can choose full, medium or light tobacco, menthol or other flavor options. There’s even a nicotine-free cartridge for those that simply want the smoking experience without the effects of nicotine.
“I’ve never cared for tobacco, but I enjoy the SmokeStik with a nicotine-free cartridge,” said Culwell. “People are amazed when I use it in public places.”
That’s because the e-cigarette looks remarkably like the real thing, even close up. When the smoker draws air through the mouthpiece, a small LED light in the tip glows a gentle orange-red that looks just like a real cigarette. The smoke exhaled completes the mirage.
Inside the SmokeStik, a microprocessor activates the atomizer to inject tiny droplets of liquid from the cartridge and propylene glycol. The resulting vapor looks like smoke, but is a harmless and odorless water vapor that evaporates just like real cigarette smoke.
“What you don’t get are the 4,000 chemicals known to exist in cigarette smoke,” said Lake Conroe area distributor Lynn Scott. “It’s a much healthier, less annoying way to smoke.”
Dr. Kyle Scarborough, a family practice physician with Sadler Clinic Conroe agrees – to a point.
“Getting away from the tar, formaldehyde and other toxins that are detrimental to the lungs is obviously beneficial,” he said. “For those who want to cut down on the dangerous side effects, it’s worth a try.”
Nicotine is still a potent compound that can constrict or narrow blood vessels, however, Scarborough noted. Those with health issues would be wise to consult their physician if they anticipate or experience unusual symptoms with any smoking materials.
Although e-cigarettes have not been approved as smoking cessation devices by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Culwell believes they will eventually be authorized.
“And for now, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes for those that enjoy smoking,” he said. “In spite of all the restrictions and risks, a lot of people simply enjoy the act of smoking.”
And because there is no tobacco and no second-hand smoke, SmokeStiks are not subject to traditional smoking restrictions. They can legally be used in restaurants, clubs and other public forms where “smoking” is illegal.
The catch, however, is the SmokeStik and its smoke look all too real. Culwells said he has been confronted by restaurant and club officials ordering him to stop. Once he explains the product, bystanders surround him wanting a closer look.
“Smokers are very excited by the product,” he said. “Even non-smokers are impressed because the SmokeStik handles all of the concerns they have. It’s a win-win situation.”
That doesn’t mean e-cigarettes have achieved universal acceptance. Because the technology is new, some business owners are uncertain how to deal with e-smokers. They fear that traditional smokers will light up if they see other patrons smoking an e-cigarette.
“This is something brand new,” said Culwell. “It will take time for society to become educated, especially those in charge of places where the public gathers.”
In the mean time, industry officials are exploring a variety of new options for the technology. A tobacco-free cigar is already available and Culwell noted that manufacturers are already working on different sizes, colors and configurations.
“Some companies are offering a wide range of specialty flavored nicotine cartridges,” he said. “They’re gaining in popularity, but we think they are too likely to attract teen smokers. SmokeStik won’t handle those.”
Cost is another advantage to smokers. Based on average use, each cartridge is a close equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. A five-pack of cartridges sell for $7.95. Another advantage is the easy and accessibility of the product.
“Once you light a traditional cigarette, you feel obligated to finish it even if you don’t want or need those last few puffs,” Culwell said. “With SmokeStiks, you can take a couple of puffs and be done. Most people actually end up smoking less.”
Culwell’s bigger challenge is creating awareness of the product among adults who smoke and want to continue. Most people have never heard of the concept, much less seen a tobacco-free cigarette.
“Smokers who see it, want it,” he said. “There are times and situations where e-cigarettes are a whole lot more practical than lighting up the real thing.”