People come to me with all sorts of reasons to quit smoking. Usually, the conversation begins with, “Can you help me quit smoking?”
I answer, “No! But I can help you become a non-smoker for life!”
What is the difference between quitting smoking and becoming a non-smoker for life? Instead of simply quitting, the emphasis is on embracing on a new identity and looking ahead to a smoke-free future.
Also, you are not a smoker; you are a human being who has the activity of smoking. The difference is that verbs are moveable and changeable, while nouns are not so much. you think of yourself as a smoker, you are a noun. But when you think of yourself as having an activity or habit you become a person (noun) who has an activity (a verb) of smoking. Change your thought and free yourself from the chains of, “I can’t, it’s too hard.”
Consider the cost.
Financial cost: of cigarettes themselves. At $5 for a pack and a half each day, that’s $7.50/day, $52.50 per week, $225 per month, and $2,737.50 per year.
Consider the cost.
Health cost: A lot! with smoker’s illnesses including cancer, COPD, emphysema and more. According to Dr. Fridberg, MD, every year, smoking costs the U.S. more than $300 billion, which includes both medical care and lost productivity (https://wallethub.com/edu/the-financial-cost-of-smoking-by-state/9520/#expert=daniel-fridberg).
Consider the cost.
Social cost: Possibly the most expensive. Becoming isolated, losing touch with children, grandchildren, and non-smokers. Since 1964, smoking-related illnesses have claimed over 20 million lives in the U.S., 2.5 million of which belonged to nonsmokers who developed diseases merely from secondhand-smoke exposure (https://wallethub.com/edu/the-financial-cost-of-smoking-by-state/9520/#expert=daniel-fridberg).
There are many myths about smoking that you need to forget when it is your time to become a non-smoker for life.
Here are ten of the most common:
- Smoking is an addiction.
- It takes willpower to quit.
- Gum and patches will work.
- I have tried it before, and it doesn’t work.
- Smoking relieves stress.
- Smoking calms me down.
- Long-time smoking is more difficult to quit.
- Quitting smoking will lead to weight gain.
- Smoking helps me think.
- Smoking won’t hurt me.
Which of these statements is true? NONE! They are all false.
Let’s look at them.
- Smoking is only mildly addictive. It’s the sugar in the tobacco that is addictive.
- Willpower is a short-term fix for a long-term problem. Willpower is a conscious mind activity attempting to control an unconscious activity.
- Gum and patches have mixed results, with studies showing insignificant cessation rates (Thorndike AN, Biener L, Rigotti NA. Effect on smoking cessation of switching nicotine replacement therapy to over-the-counter status. Am J Public Health 2002,92,437-42.
- Trying once, twice, or a dozen times will give the same results unless you try something else.
- Smoking deprives the brain of needed oxygen and stimulates survival hormones. None of these changes help to relieve stress; in fact, they raise the stress level.
- The same answer as 5). There is nothing calming about what happens in the brain, except you are more unaware of the stress level.
- It doesn’t matter how long you have been smoking. Focus on the last cigarette, not the first or the number in between.
- Any weight gain is typically short-lived as the body repairs the damage of nicotine and the several thousand toxins in each cigarette.
- See the answer to answer 5) above. Your brain can also not think when it is in survival mode or fully functional.
- Really? Yikes!
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What's in it or you?
I understand that quitting smoking is a big decision and can be challenging for many people. There are many reasons to consider becoming a non-smoker for life, but it's essential to remember that the decision to quit should ultimately come from within.
As you consider deciding to become a non-smoker for life, it's crucial to focus on the positive impact it can have on your life. Whether it's:
1-Closing the door on smoker's cancer
2-More quality time with family
3-More huggable and kissable
4-More money to spend on new things
5-More vacation money
6-New clothes
7-Beating Di-obesity (Diabetes)
8-Gain time for doing positive activities
These eight suggestions may help you when thinking about your decision. to become a non-smoker. You may have others that come to mind. Write them down as well.
If you're ready to take this significant step, remember that you're not alone. I'm here to provide you with a free consultation and support you every step of the way. Your journey to a healthier and happier life begins with this decision, and I'm here to help you navigate it.
You're ready! Don't wait get started now! Call Dr. Jim 