Want to Quit Smoking? Ask Your Pharmacist
A CAPSULAR MOMENT
YOU WANT TO QUIT SMOKING?
By David Bodunde, Rph
Such an ugly habit/addiction, Pharmacist David Bodunde shares solutions to quitting.
The decision to quit smoking is not one that is usually made quickly. It requires a lot of thought and quitting requires a lot of planning.
Why is it difficult to quit smoking?
Ask anyone who has quit smoking and they will tell you that it is not easy. Most people try several times before they are successful. There are two reasons why it is difficult to quit smoking:
- Nicotine contained in cigarettes is a stimulant and as addictive as heroin. The high concentration contained in a cigarette enters your brain within 10 seconds of taking a puff and, in the beginning, provides a bigger lift than chocolate or coffee. This boost is only short term; therefore people need to absorb increased amounts of nicotine to maintain their mood and energy. As you consume more nicotine, your brain changes and begins to need nicotine in order to allow you to function normally. This is why people who are trying to quit will experience withdrawal symptoms such as reduced energy, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
- Smoking is a learned behaviour, this means it is associated with other things and done automatically. Often people will smoke when they drink coffee or alcohol or when they take a break from work. Usually lighting up is an automatic response to a particular circumstance. One of the keys to quitting smoking is changing your behaviour.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
Your health
We all know that smoking is bad for your health. By quitting, you will live a longer and healthier life. More than 45,000 Canadians die prematurely each year due to tobacco use. Quitting will significantly lower you risk of having a heart attack, stroke, cancer and future respiratory problems. In addition you will look and feel younger, you will have more energy, your teeth will be whiter and your sense of taste and smell will greatly improve.
The health of others
Second hand smoke kills at least 1000 Canadians a year. When you smoke, you not only put your health at risk, but also the health of your loved ones and co-workers. Your family, especially your children, will be healthier if you quit. Children who live with a smoking parent are more susceptible to middle-ear problems, bronchitis, and pneumonia and have worse asthma than children with non-smoking parents. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chance of having a healthy baby.
Saving money
Smoking cigarettes is not a cheap habit. Add up the cost of your cigarettes for a week; then calculate the cost over a year.
To set a good example
Your children are more likely to smoke if you do. By quitting, you show determination and set an example for them not to smoke
What should I do if I want to quit smoking?
Quitting smoking requires a lot of thought and planning. Some techniques that have helped people quit include:
Set a special date
Decide the date in advance so you can prepare for it. If you smoke more at work, you may want to quit while on vacation when it will be easier. If you don’t want to quit cold turkey, start cutting down before this date. Condition yourself before your quit date by implementing a modest exercise plan and drinking more fluids.
Get Support
Involve others in your quitting. Talk to your family and friends. You will want their support when withdrawal symptoms cause temptation.
Recognize your smoking triggers
These are learned behaviours that you associate with smoking. They usually cause you to automatically light a cigarette. If you light up right after dinner, try eating an apple or going for a walk. Try to avoid other triggers, like smoke filled bars and breaks with colleagues who smoke, until you feel able to deal with them. Start to identify your triggers and develop alternatives to either the triggers or your learned response of lighting a cigarette.
Plan things to do
To help take your mind off smoking, it is good to keep busy. Try making a list of things you were planning to do, such as chores or hobbies. Exercise, take long walks or ride a bike. This will also help you relax and keep your body conditioned.
What happens when I quit smoking?
When you quit smoking, your body and brain begin to repair damage, but because nicotine is addictive, you may feel worse for a while instead of better. Your body is dealing with nicotine withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anger, anxiety, trouble sleeping, depression and lack of energy. You may also be coughing more as your lungs try to clear themselves. The first few days are the worst. Most of the nicotine should be gone from your system after about ten days. However the effects can linger and people who used to smoke can still get occasional cravings years later.
Although quitting smoking may be difficult, it is not impossible. Any attempt will be a learning experience and will make you stronger. Quitting will be one of the most important things you will ever do.
To speak with David Bodunde, Rph in person, visit the Manitouwadge Pharmacy, Unit 2, Hallmarket Square in Manitouwadge or call 826.3888
The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.
Neither OntarioNewsNorth.com nor David Bodunde,Rph endorse or recommend any commercial products, medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, brand names, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and education of the viewing public, and the mention of any of the above on OntarioNewsNorth.com does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by OntarioNewsNorth.com or David Bodunde, Rph.
