Have you ever tried to quit smoking, but found yourself lighting up a cigarette? Have you ever wondered, “How can I quit smoking?” “Why is it so hard to quit smoking?”
Smoking tobacco is both a physical addiction and a psychological habit. The nicotine from cigarettes provides a temporary—and addictive—high. Eliminating that regular fix of nicotine causes your body to experience physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because of nicotine’s “feel good” effect on the brain, you may turn to cigarettes as a quick and reliable way to boost your outlook, relieve stress, and unwind. Smoking can also be a way of coping with depression, anxiety, or even boredom. Quitting means finding different, healthier ways to cope with those feelings.
To quit smoking, you must be ready emotionally and mentally. Some people are more ready to quit than others. Look at these five stages of change.
Stage one: Pre-contemplation: The person does not want to quit smoking but may try to quit because they feel pressured.
Stage two: Contemplation: The person wants to quit someday. They have not taken steps to quit, but wants to quit.
Stage three: Preparation: The person takes small steps to quit such as cutting back on smoking. They come up with a plan to quit smoking that they feel will work for them.
Stage four: Action: The person puts a plan for quitting into action. They make changes in their actions and environment to help cope with urges to smoke. The person copes with urges to smoke by following the plan and remains smoke-free for six months.
Stage five: Maintenance: The person has not smoked for one year. Smoking again (relapse) is common; 75 percent of those who quit, smoke again. Most smokers have tried three times before successfully quitting. Don’t give up!
Hypnosis for smoking cessation can be an effective part of the plan to quit smoking. Hypnosis can be an effective way to gain control over the cravings and to gain a new perspective on becoming a non-smoker. Hypnosis at Comforts of Home Counseling can also help you find alternative ways to cope with the anxiety, stress or depression that may be driving you to pick up that cigarette in the first place. You’ll find new confidence and motivation as you learn powerful techniques to reduce cravings and urges.
Call Comforts of Home Counseling today to get an appointment to get your plan to quit smoking into action.