“When the goal is in sight, all your physical pain disappears, and your mental determination shall carry you the rest of the way” - Trey Patty

Life is short they say and it can only get shorter with tobacco smoke! This treatise intends to clear the air for all those who need to ‘light up’ to live life, underlining the irony that - smoking can only take those breaths away!

Smokers envy non-smokers pride! This is amply proved as every one in two smokers wants to quit. With the repercussions of tobacco smoke looming large, and the promise of a healthy future sans tobacco, it is no surprise that there are teeming numbers who wish to quit the potentially lethal vice.

Yet, why do many dither before taking that significant step?

Determination and will power are paramount as are the power of time-tested treatment measures to quit smoking. Success stories are few and far between of instances where will power alone, popularly called ‘cold turkey’ has helped banish the addiction. Yet, the power of the mind ensures half the battle is won.

Let’s look at some of the compelling reasons why one should give up smoking as well as look at strategies to quit the habit.

Lethal Vice

Almost 4000 potentially toxic chemicals found in tobacco are inhaled into the system due to smoking. Nicotine, a significant component found in tobacco acts on the brain producing a euphoric effect. Nicotine sparks off the addictive tendencies that smokers are ‘known’ for.

The chemicals found in tobacco lower the body’s immunity to fight infections. Further, tobacco gradually begins to harm the vital organs in the body, especially the heart and the lungs. Smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases. A smoker carries a fourteen fold risk of dying due to cancer and a double risk of dying due to a heart attack.

Giving up on this habit is loaded with benefits. The healing mechanism in the body kick starts into action within 20 minutes following the last puff. Smokers, who quit before they turn 50, carry a reduced risk of premature death as compared to those who continue.

Break Free from Tobacco Smoke

Once the mind is made up to kick the habit, therapy involves a combination of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Behavioral Counseling. In some cases, physicians prescribe medicines which do not contain Nicotine. These pills are prescribed to cope with withdrawal symptoms. Counseling helps cope with cravings, instills positive behaviors while enhancing the qualities needed to solve problems.

The first step begins with understanding the triggers behind smoking. Many smokers are tempted to smoke in certain places, during certain times or when they simply see specific objects. It also helps to know that TRIGGERS ARE ALWAYS FLEETING. If one doesn’t buckle in, they invariably fade away.

Understanding temptations equips the potential ‘quitter’ with possible hurdles in the journey, to enable plan ahead for the ensuing challenges. Support from family and friends are vital to keep the morale high. Smokers also benefit by joining rehabilitation centers and support groups to help meet their objective.