Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Quitting smoking doesn't have to be a lonely task

By Darren Warmuth

One of the hardest things to do is to quit smoking. And when you're just beginning the journey as a non-smoker, you can feel very isolated and alone. One of the keys to success of becoming a non-smoker is to set up a support system. Whether it be family support (be cautious in who you choose), online, or at a local smoking cessation meeting, having a support system is vital.

The online support option is fanatastic for those who have limited time in which to establish a local system. By joining up with community forums that host a smoking cessation board, you get the opportunity to speak with others looking to accomplish the same goal you are.

Many of the message boards have different sections pertaining to the process of beginning to quit. Look for sections that pertain to what your going through, oftentimes they will have sections on the board that will coincide with what you are going through on any particular day. It is very comforting to see that others are going through the very same thing you are, and often the advice the other nonsmokers have posted is very helpful when you're facing the same thing.

As mentioned above, be cautious when enlisting the help of friends and family, because at times, even when they think they are being helpful, they can irritate you or even push you towards a relapse by pestering you about your trials and tribulations of quitting.

Many family members and friends mean well and think they're being encouraging by doing this, when you're going through withdrawal symptoms and are naturally more agitated, this can be detrimental to your success. Sometimes just discussing this with them, before your quit day, can help nip it in the bud and make it a smoother transition.

One other option is a local smoking cessation meeting that is usually held at a community church, health care center, or sometime even a school. Most of these groups meetings are held either at no cost or very low cost, so everyone can attend.

They are often about an hour or two long, where you get to meet with others who were going through the same thing that you are. One of the advantages of this type of support system is that you have face to face contact and can develop relationships with your group members. Having a buddy to quit smoking with, or call upon, if you're feeling like you're going to have a relapse can assist you in remaining a non-smoker.

So before your quit day, be sure to decide on which method or methods of support you are going to use AND then use them! Of all the tools in the quitting smoker's toolbox, support is the most effective of all, so be sure that this is where your quest begins. - 16955

About the Author:

No comments: