Quit Smoking-it’s About Time

by Sara Mendez

Smoking can be both physically and emotionally addicting, if you are not a smoker, addiction is something difficult to understand. A smokers dream is being able to go places such as the movies and being able to make it though a two hour movie without leaving for a cigarette or having a craving. These cravings can take over your life and become so powerful that they feel unconquerable. These cravings out weight the health risks associated with smoking.

Most people know the risks and dangers of smoking. The cancer risk is labeled on every box, as is the child birth defect warning and there are commercials on TV everyday that try to discourage smoking. Non smokers don’t understand why someone would start smoking in the first place let alone why a smoker can not just quit. Unfortunately it is not that easy.

It is very common for a smoker to try and fail multiple times before succeeding. I am guessing this is not your first time trying to quit. Unfortunately, this process can create a learned behavior. Many feel if they failed once, they will surely fail again so there is no point in trying to quit. This idea is very negative and can cause self esteem issues making it that much harder to quit.

Often there are emotional connections or fond memories associated with smoking that people find it difficult to give up. Some people feel, if they quit smoking they have to quit having that happy memory or good feeling, this is not the case but it is a very realistic thought to the smoker.

Rituals play a large part in smoking. Some people smoke while talking on the phone or every time they are outside. This is also a behavior learned through repetition and also can make it more difficult for you to quit. This can easily be fixed by replacing the learned behavior with a new one making your goal easier to attain.

Weight gain can also be a concern for many people. Many times the same reasons people smoke are the same reasons ex-smokers put on weight. People who are quitting might be more nervous from nicotine withdrawals, and therefore eat more or snack. Others might reward themselves with food instead of a cigarette. This is also a repetitive behavior.

I am sure you have tried many things such as nicotine gum, the patch, cold turkey or medications. Hypnosis for some is sadly a last resort. Hypnosis can assist you in may ways. Instead of using smoking succession aides, hypnosis deals with the root problem. It allows you to both develop and nurture your ability to quit smoking. It will help with self confidence and weight management also while you are trying to quit. It will also give you positive suggestions to continue to assist you on your path to smoking succession.

Trying to quit is difficult but it doesn’t have to be. Some might feel overwhelmed but you have taken the first step by acknowledging you are ready to quit. You need to decide the best way to deal with your addiction. But remember this, the longer you put it off the harder it will be to quit.

About the Author:

Quit Smoking with Hypnosis in Portland, Oregon at Soul Signals