Smoking cessation, or quitting smoking, takes emotional and physical effort to conquer nicotine addiction. Most smokers try to quit smoking or want to quit, according to the American Heart Association. Changes in the acceptance of smoking have caused a drop in the number of smokers in the United States. A little more than 20 percent of Americans smoke, compared to 42 percent in 1965, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease, cancer, lung diseases and other health-related disorders also concern smokers.
Significance
Some people quit smoking on their own while others need support from other people, counselors, medicine or alternative methods such as hypnosis or acupuncture. The American Cancer Society recommends using more than one technique. For example, hypnosis may help a person deal with the mental urges of having a cigarette, but support or medication can add further protection against nicotine cravings. Many ex-smokers are not able to quit on the first attempt and it can take as many as 10 tries before cessation finally works, according to the American Cancer Society.
Effects
The physical dependence on nicotine is a strong barrier in attempts to quit smoking. Nicotine enters the bloodstream and goes into the brain, where it activates chemicals that cause the pleasurable effects smokers feel. The body soon craves those feelings and the smoker needs to smoke more, leading to nicotine addiction. An ex-smoker faces physical withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, irritability, frustration, anger, dizziness, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, fatigue, headaches and other problems. Symptoms may last two to three days into smoking cessation, according to the American Cancer Society.
Alternative
Nicotine replacement therapy uses nicotine patches, gums, sprays, inhalers or lozenges to give people doses of nicotine without the other harmful chemicals in cigarettes. The therapy helps them focus attention on the emotional aspects of quitting, notes the American Cancer Society. Smokers often get into the habit of smoking when they are nervous, bored or at other times and it takes concentration to rid themselves of those needs. Nicotine replacement deals with the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms from nicotine.
Function
Smoking cessation requires concentration. Urges to smoke need to be avoided by keeping busy, such as exercising, staying active, spending time in places or homes where smoking is not allowed and avoiding people or situations that remind a person of smoking, according to Smokefree.gov, a National Cancer Institute website. Many smokers keep their homes, cars and offices free of ashtrays and other items related to smoking. Deep breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques are some ways people fight off sudden nicotine cravings.
Expert Insight
The support of friends, family and support networks help ex-smokers stay free from smoking. Telephone counseling is available with trained counselors who can help people get through the urges of smoking again. Counselors provide plans and tips on smoking cessation. Smoking cessation programs offered through employers, support groups and local organizations provide group or one-on-one sessions with a counselor. The programs may include half-hour sessions for several times over a two-week period to guide the smoker to success in giving up smoking.
