Smoking

The effects of smoking aren’t pretty. Cigarette smoking has been linked to medical problems such as lung cancer, heart attacks, gastric ulcers, macular degeneration, and infertility. Smokeless tobacco causes many of the same conditions, plus the risk of mouth or throat cancer and cavities or gum disease.

If you want to quit smoking, LoveToKnow Recovery can provide you with the information you need to succeed at this difficult task. Since so many people want to give up their nicotine addiction, there’s a wide selection of “How to Stop Smoking” books, DVDs, and instructional programs available. Although the exact method used varies slightly, most offer the same general advice: find your motivation and develop a way to deal with the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

The decision to kick a nicotine habit can be motivated by many different factors. There’s no “right” reason to quit smoking or chewing. You may want to quit for financial reasons or you may be motivated by a desire to improve your health. Some people quit to set a good example for their children, while others feel pressured to change by a disapproving spouse.

No matter what motivates you to quit, dealing with the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be a substantial obstacle on your road to recovery. Identifying your nicotine triggers, changing your routine, getting support from a trusted friend or family member, and using a smoking cessation aid such as nicotine gum or the nicotine patch can help. You can also try distracting yourself by taking a brisk walk, reading a magazine article, or munching on celery and other low-cal veggies.