If you've been looking for an excuse to quit smoking, the time is now. Rather than putting it off or promising yourself you'll cut down, make the choice to quit as soon as you're ready to make a commitment to stop smoking for good. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of serious health problems, including lung cancer and emphysema. Chest pains may signify these conditions or other lung-related health concerns and may be caused by smoking.
Step 1
Report any chest pain or breathing difficulties to your doctor immediately. Even if you have already decided to quit smoking, it is not a substitute for medical attention. Although quitting smoking will decrease your risk of developing serious conditions like lung cancer and emphysema, it will not eliminate existing complications.
Step 2
Substitute celery sticks, gum and pens for cigarettes. If you're used to lighting up after a meal, munch on gum until the cravings subside.
Step 3
Write in a journal whenever you have a craving. Instead of beating yourself up for wanting a cigarette, analyze your situation. Write about how the craving makes you feel, notes HelpGuide in the article "How to Quit Smoking: Guide to Quitting and Kicking the Habit for Good." When you go back through your journal, you'll feel encouraged by how long you've gone without smoking.
Step 4
Try nicotine replacement therapy if your doctor recommends it. Nicotine replacement therapy helps reduce cravings, which may make it easier to quit for good on your first attempt, notes the American Heart Association in the article "Cigarette Smoking." Some types of nicotine replacement therapy include nicotine patches and nicotine gum.
Step 5
Rely on the support of your family and friends. Instead of trying to quit smoking alone, inform your loved ones that you are trying to quit. They may help you get through a difficult craving, celebrate your success and remind you of why you quit smoking to begin with.
Tips and Warnings
- In a 2007 study performed by the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., some smokers who were given emergency care for chest pains were more motivated to quit smoking if they understood that their pain was due to smoking cigarettes.
- Do not attempt to quit smoking by switching to chewing tobacco -- both substances are addictive and may cause cancer.
Things You'll Need
- Celery sticks
- Gum
- Pens
- Nicotine replacement therapy
