New Year’s Resolution to Quit Smoking

If your New Year’s resolution to quit smoking failed last year (or even the year before that) don’t give up; with support this can be the year you succeed in quitting smoking.

Make this the year you quit!

Each year plenty of people make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking. Some of these people fail, but not all. Nicotine is a very addictive drug, which is why it’s so hard for people to quit smoking, even when they know the harmful effects of smoking. The good news is that many individuals are eventually able to break their smoking habit – usually these are people who have a good plan, support, and resources that have been proven successful in the fight against cigarette addiction.

This can be the year you plan well, get the proper support, and quit smoking for good. Following is how to get started on the road to a nicotine-free life.

Smoking cessation research from theU.S. Department of Health & Human Services shows that people who successfully quit cigarette smoking tend to participate in five major steps:

1. They get ready to quit.
2. Obtain the right support services for quitting.
3. Gather the skills and behaviors that can help them quit.
4. Discuss proper medication with their doctor.
5. Get prepared for problems – this can be preparedness for relapses and even just the day to day issues like what if everyone at work smokes.

Your quit smoking plan needs to include some very specific items to be successful. You can adapt your plan to fit your individual needs.

Here are some key objectives to include in your plan:

• Choose a date to quit and mark it on your calendar. Try to pick a low stress time if possible – low stress can simply mean that you know there’s no major project due at work or that you’re sure your annoying mother-in-law won’t be visiting.
• Clean house: By your quit date you should remove all signs of smoking from your house. Ashtrays, lighters, extra packs of smokes, etc; clean your drapes and cloth furniture to remove the smoke smell. Do this for your car and work environment as well.
• Think: Consider the times in the past that you’ve tried to quit. What worked, what failed, were there issues that made you want to smoke more than others such as going to play pool? Make a list and try to come up with ideas that can combat issues you’ve had in the past.
• Learn to live differently. Make a list of some activities that relax you or at least activities that can act as replacements for smoking. When you feel an urge to smoke try another activity from your list. Good activity examples include; a nap, a walk outside, writing in a journal, reading a book, chewing gum, calling a friend, exercise, taking a nice long bath, or playing with your children.
• Make your space a no smoking zone: How you handle other smokers is up to you but absolutely there should be no smoking allowed at your home or on your porch. Don’t frequent places (bars, restaurants, or clubs) that allow smoking inside. If you have to avoid your friends who smoke for a while, that’s just the way it goes. If your friends get cranky about this suggest they quit too. If they’re still angry, it’s truly their loss. A real friend will understand your goal to live a healthier life.
• Find the right support and have your support in place before your quit date. This is an entire issue itself so following is a section about support.

Studies show that people who get support are much more successful with most activities in fact. From exercise to dieting and even smoking – the right support can be the difference between kicking a negative habit and not.

Your first stop should be your doctor or another care provider. Many people have success with holistic care support so you don’t simply have to go with a traditional doctor. You should choose at least one care provider who can write prescriptions though because there are some really great medications that can support your goal of quitting. Your care provider should offer resources like Chantix reviews or advice on items like the nicotine patch and help you to locate other support resources as well.

Means of support include:

• Tell everyone you know that you’re quitting. It might seem easier to keep it a secret in case you fail but telling people will help you to feel responsible for your actions and your family and friends want you healthy so they will encourage you. Positive vibes from others can help you feel good about quitting and sticking to your plan.
• Join a support group. There are telephone support groups, online support groups, and in person groups. All can increase your potential for quitting success.
• Books about quitting smoking.

Your New Year’s resolution to quit smoking is such an amazing step in the right direction. You can do it this year. You will smell better and so will your house. You’ll have a healthier body, teeth, and gums. You can go places like the movies without fidgeting around because you need a smoke. You will live longer and learn healthy ways for dealing with stress. Quitting smoking is a great New Year’s resolution and if you follow the plans above this can be the year you succeed.

To learn more and find free resources visit your health care provider and smokefree.gov.

• Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms
• Caffeine Withdrawal
• Anti Depression Foods
• Depression Quiz
• Am I an Alcoholic

• Causes of Drug Addiction
• Drug Addiction Poems
• Compulsive Lying
• Treatment for Compulsive Lying
• Short Term Effects of Smoking Crystal Meth