Recovering The SelfA Journal of Hope and Healing

Addiction

The Impact of Smoking and Ways to Overcome It Successfully

Guest Blogger: Angela PaulCigarette

Tobacco was introduced in Europe during the 15th century. Tobacco smoke has around 400 chemical elements present in it. The harmful effects of tobacco smoke were discovered in the 20th century. Approximately 50 diseases are associated with smoking. Major diseases caused by tobacco smoke are:

  • Chronic ronchitis
  • Infertility
  • Heart Disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Strokes
  • Emphysema
  • Early Menopause

Presently, smoking is responsible for around 30% of cancer deaths. (Hypnotherapy Directory)

In spite of the potential damages of smoking, smokers quit smoking at a very low pace. Here are some of the reasons that force people towards continuing this habit.

  • Boredom
  • Experimental phase
  • Peer pressure
  • Way of expression

The effects of smoking can be classified under the following categories. Here is an overview of that:

Physical effects

  • Poor circulation of blood
  • Lack of energy
  • Infertility
  • Lack of concentration
  • Lack of skin luster
  • Early signs of wrinkling
  • Stained teeth and fingers
  • Shortness of breath

Social effects

  • Air pollution
  • Risk of passive smoking to others
  • Risk of fire
  • Damaged clothes

Financially too, if the cost of per cigarette is calculated, it leads up to an excessive amount in just 10 years.

Quit smoking

Usually, most of the smokers want to quit smoking but fail to do so. This is because they fail to exercise control over this habit. Craving to smoke is quite strong in every smoker. Smokers get addicted to nicotine, which is a habit-forming drug. For instance, when an individual starts smoking, he/she starts getting addicted to nicotine. The more he/she smokes, the desire for nicotine rises. Smoking is compared to other addictions like

  • Talking for hours over the phone
  • Driving
  • Drinking

The habit of smoking cannot be overcome by 2-3 attempts. If you are a smoker and want to kick this habit, make sure to explore different anti-smoking ways. Remember that quitting smoking is the biggest gift you will give to yourself. It is interesting to note that once you quit smoke, you will be less likely to develop cancer than a chain smoker.

All countries have taken steps against smoking and its ill effects. From 1st July 2007 onwards, England has made all the workplaces and public places smoke free. In other countries as well, smoking has been prohibited in pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs, nightclubs, shopping centers and so on. To prevent the effects of passive smoking and air pollution, there is a separate smoking zone in every public place and office.

There are different help lines present to help the chain smokers. You can visit NHS specialist centers that are highly effective in their anti-smoking programs. In addition, you can also visit a general physician or a pharmacist.

A few ways to quit smoking

  • Quit gradually: You cannot usually quit smoking all of a sudden. It is advisable that you reduce the number of cigarettes gradually. Remember that you can feel irritated and weak if you try to quit smoking suddenly.
  • Drink water: Drink water to clear all the tobacco toxins from the body. You will also be able to control the urge of smoking by drinking plenty of water.
  • Do not get stressed: Stress is one of the most common reasons of smoking. Make yourself understand that smoking is a harmful way of escaping from tension. Try to think positively and concentrate over the mission of quitting smoking.
  • Hypnotherapy: It is an important method to quit smoking. According to an experiment, hypnosis is three times more effective than any other anti-smoking way. (Journal of Applied Psychology)

Hypnosis for smoking cessation has become quite famous. You can research about the hypnosis centers present in your neighborhood and avail the benefit of this technique.

About the Author

Angela is an experienced writer who has written several articles on a wide array of topics. In this article, she talks about harmful effects of smoking and how to overcome it.

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