Smoking is an addiction that afflicts many people and leads to major health problems for the smokers and those close to them. Even though the dangers of smoking have been established and the popularity of smoking has decreased, it is still nearly impossible for some people to quit. There are people who have been known to quit cold turkey, while for others the struggle with quitting is lifelong.
Social Situations
Kicking the cigarette habit is hard for some because of the people they surround themselves with who are also smokers. The Help Guide suggests that it is important for smokers to make it clear to those they associate with that they want to end their smoking addiction. Many times, smokers cannot kick the habit because they find themselves surrounded with a social group that smokes. If quitting smoking is something that an individual really wants to accomplish, it is important that he decrease the amount of time spent with smokers and increase the amount of time with nonsmokers.
Stress
Stress is an issue that keeps smokers from kicking the habit. It is during times of stress when smokers are more likely to forgo their desire to quit in order to light up. According to the Mayo Clinic, "many ex-smokers who have a smoking relapse say that feeling tense, angry, sad or bored led them to light up." It is the nicotine in the cigarette that provides smokers with temporary relief from stress. It is this temporary relief that keeps them from quitting.
Cravings
The nicotine in a cigarette is an addictive substance, and it is the body's craving for nicotine that thwarts any efforts to quit. When a body goes without the regular intake of nicotine, it will begin to have withdrawal symptoms, and it is these symptoms that lead people to begin smoking again. The Mayo Clinic reports that withdrawal symptoms include headaches, fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, tension, anxiety and increased appetite. People are unable to quit because these symptoms can be suppressed by smoking a cigarette, but the nicotine intake has to be maintained to keep the uncomfortable symptoms at bay.
Lack of a Plan
One thing that many smokers forget to do when they are attempting to quit is to develop a plan. It is important to have a plan in place that takes the individual through the quitting stages and what he wants to accomplish. This will keep him on track and help him ward off relapse. The Help Guide says that the plan should be developed with personal goals in mind. When the plan is in place, it is important for the individual to stay on track with his plan or his risk of relapse increases.
Overall
Smoking is an addiction, and quitting any addiction is a struggle. When quitting, keep in mind all of the circumstances that will make breaking the addiction cycle hard.
