Smoking can be both physically and psychologically addictive. Smoking can produce a calming effect in the smoker not only because of the products in a cigarette, but also because of the meditative act of smoking. While nicotine supplements can help satisfy the physical desire to smoke, the psychological desire can be difficult to overcome. Some smokers have found success in replacing the cigarette with another object, such as a straw. Pretending to smoke the straw will provide the meditative and relaxing effect of smoking, helping to ease the transition into nonsmoking.
Step 1
Obtain a drinking straw. These can be purchased in boxes from supermarkets or obtained freely from fast food venues. Use only a new, clean straw. Try to find a drinking straw with a similar diameter to your cigarettes. White straws are the most nondescript, but any type of straw will work.
Step 2
Cut the straw to approximately the length of your cigarettes. While this is not necessary, it will make the straw look a bit more like an actual cigarette, reducing any feelings of awkwardness if you need to "smoke" your straw in public.
Step 3
Store your straw in its paper or wrapped in a napkin. This will keep the straw from getting dirty before you put it into your mouth.
Step 4
Puff on the straw as you would a standard cigarette when you feel a craving. The motions of smoking will help to reduce the psychological craving even when your body does not obtain nicotine.
Tips and Warnings
- If you find yourself chewing on pens or other implements, it may be your body's way of showing its psychological craving for a cigarette. Puffing on your straw instead will prevent damage to your teeth. Combine the straw replacement with other nonsmoking aids, such as nicotine patches or gum.
Things You'll Need
- Drinking straw
- Scissors
