How to Quit Smoking – for Good

Quit Smoking

Currently, tobacco use leads to nearly six million deaths worldwide each year. In addition to smokers, this number includes many non-smokers who die after being exposed to the toxins in second-hand smoke.

According to recent studies, the vast majority of people who use tobacco – including those who smoke, chew, dip, and vape – want to quit. Over their lifetimes, many of these people will make one or more sincere attempts to give up tobacco. Unfortunately, however, most will not succeed simply because they don’t know how.

If you’re ready to quit, here are some tried-and-true tips on how to kick your tobacco habit for good:

  • Start now – Going “cold turkey” is the safest, easiest, cheapest, and most effective way to quit.
  • Adopt a positive mindset – Don’t think of quitting in terms of depriving yourself, but rather as a way to improve your health and well-being.
  • Let everyone around you know – Most people will be happy, helpful, and supportive of your efforts, and also will also hold you accountable for your actions.
  • Record your reasons for quitting – Make a list and carry it with you at all times; when you feel a craving coming on, reread the list for mental reinforcement.
  • Make it easy for yourself – Get rid of all of your tobacco products and accessories, spend time in places where you can’t smoke, and avoid activities and situations that could trigger a craving, such as going to bars, drinking alcoholic beverages, having coffee after meals, and attending social events with friends who smoke (in time, you will be able to do all of these things without wanting to smoke).
  • Stay in the moment – Don’t worry about getting through the next year, month, week, or even day; instead, take pride in the progress you’ve made to date.
  • Eat well – Reward yourself with a healthy treat, such as a handful of pistachios or piece of fresh fruit; also, if you are concerned about possible weight gain, be sure to stay physically active.
  • Manage your stress level – If you encounter a crisis, keep in mind that smoking will not solve the problem; rather, it will simply create an additional problem.

Most importantly, remember that using tobacco is an all-or-nothing proposition. Therefore, no matter how much time has passed since you’ve quit, you can never have “just one” without becoming hooked again.

If you’d like more information about smoking cessation, you can call or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our office is conveniently located on 602 South Howard Avenue in South Tampa.