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Quit Smoking Cold Turkey
Quit Smoking Cold Turkey
Many smokers may think that quitting cold turkey is a more painful process than a gradual withdrawal from nicotine. However, some quitters maintain that quitting cold turkey - an immediate and complete withdrawal from nicotine without the aid of nicotine supplements or any other stop smoking aid - is a better way to quit smoking because gradual withdrawal and nicotine supplements merely prolong the process by feeding the nicotine addiction.
WhyQuit.com maintains that, as long as nicotine is still in a smoker’s system, his body will continue to crave its full complement of the drug. But if a smoker practices complete nicotine cessation, the withdrawal period will be shorter (roughly two weeks) and the cravings less intense. Within 72 hours of complete nicotine cessation, all nicotine and carbon dioxide will be gone from a smoker’s system.
However, the first few weeks of nicotine withdrawal will require a smoker to be determined in order to overcome the addiction.
Stop making excuses and get started on quitting, cold turkey. Perhaps consider using a non-nicotine stop smoking aid, such as
herbal patches to quit smoking.
Make a list of reasons for quitting smoking. Keep your list handy for consultation whenever you get the urge to light up another cigarette. Both your mind and body will be craving nicotine, and you need to prepare your defenses.
Be aware of your triggers. As you know, smoking is not only a physical addiction to nicotine - it also has an element of mental addiction. As you’re preparing to quit, pay attention to any events or feelings that may trigger you’re craving for a smoke. When you feel stressed out at work or depressed, do you reach for the cigarettes? Consider the situations in which you smoke most often, and brainstorm ways to combat those habits once you’ve quit.
Some ways that many successful quitters have worked through nicotine cravings include:
Avoiding smoky environments like bars or clubs,
Commencing new, preferably healthy "habits" like exercise, hobbies, or classes to distract yourself from smoking.
Having healthy snacks such as celery and carrots on hand to keep your hands and your mouth busy.
Form a support group.
Implement a reward system. Every time you resist the urge to smoke a cigarette, you come one step closer to successfully quitting. Be sure to recognize to yourself and others the progress you’ve made. Reward yourself on a regular basis with something that you would find motivational—anything from time to read a good book to a weekend trip.
Change your mindset. Because of the difficulty of quitting smoking, many smokers feel defeated before they even start. To quit successfully, you need to make a conscious effort to change your mindset to guarantee a positive outcome. Instead of dwelling on the obstacles, remind yourself of the reasons why you quit, and how your life will improve after you have stopped smoking. Engage in meditation or behavioral therapy to reinforce new, healthier habits and kick the unhealthy nicotine addiction.
Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult challenges that many people will face in their lives. By quitting cold turkey, you decrease your withdrawal time and increase your chances of success. With support and planning—and plenty of time and patience—your smoking days will become a thing of the past.
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