The Maintenance Phase and avoiding Relapses. Know that most relapses occur in the first week after quitting, when withdrawal symptoms are strongest and your body is still dependent on nicotine. Be aware that this will be your hardest time, and use all your personal resources - willpower, family, friends, and the tips in this article - to get you through this critical period successfully.
Realize that most successful ex-smokers quit for good only after several attempts. You may be one of those who can quit your first try. But if you're not, Don’t give up. Try again. Your chances increase with every trial. The sooner you try again the better the success rate. Know that most other relapses occur in the first three months after quitting, with situational triggers - such as a particularly stressful event - occur unexpectedly. These are the times when people reach for cigarettes automatically, because they associate smoking with relaxing. This is the kind of situation that's hard to prepare yourself for until it happens, so it's especially important to recognize it if it does happen.
Here is perhaps the most valuable information among these points. In the period which begins a few weeks after quitting, the urges to smoke will subside considerably. However, it's vital to understand that from time to time, you will still be suddenly overwhelmed with a desire for "just one cigarette." This will happen unexpectedly, during moments of stress, whether negative stress or positive (at a party, or on vacation). If you are unprepared to resist, succumbing to that "one cigarette" will lead you directly back to smoking. Remember the following secret: in these surprise attacks -- and they will definitely come -- do your deep breathing, and hold on for five minutes, and the urge will pass. Remember that smoking is a habit, but a habit you can break. Never allow yourself to think that "one won't hurt" - it will.
Just three times a year you can ask your loved one – briefly – very briefly – to please quit smoking -- in very loving and warm tones. Try surrounding your request with honest complements, keep it brief, and they might be more open to hearing you.
But if you speak up more than three times per year, then you're an obnoxious nag! And your beloved smoker will be so angry with you that they'll keep smoking just to spite you. You’ll be defeating your very purpose.
America is a nation of good people, but also of addicts. The whole world is importing their lifestyle. We're addicted not just to one thing, but often to several – like cigarettes, food, television, music, drugs and sex, even work. Each of these things is a kind of drug -- because each temporarily gets your mind off of your pain.
We are talking about both current pain, such as anger, loneliness, or sadness --- and emotional pain we've carried with us since childhood, such as unmet childhood needs, like an absent father or abusive mother.
Sometimes, life is painful. It's supposed to be that way. All of us are faced with grief, loss and struggle. And it's by our struggles that we define and strengthen our character.
Controlling anger and frustration
Let your anger out in reasonable, mild little bits here and there, as you go along, right as things come up. This is better than letting it build up, and later exploding in rage.
It's helpful -- and healing -- to let your feelings of frustration out verbally, as you quit smoking. Better words should come out of your mouth, in loud complaining tones, than extra unneeded calories going in!
Don't worry; if you ask for support and tolerance, you'll get it. There you'll get plenty of support -- and hugs too, if you ask for them. Don't isolate, and do lean on others.
Especially for men, this is a sign of strength. Not going to a support meeting could be construed an act of fear, and therefore cowardice. So be brave, and seek support from others. It's a sign of a strong man in my book. Real men do ask for directions!
It's true that smoking is mostly very enjoyable, even comforting, for you. Let's not lie about it. Quitting will be like losing a great, dear friend -- and you may find yourself grieving a bit. That's only natural, and it's okay.
In coming decades, we'll look back on smoking as a thing of the last century. We know that statistically, only children and teens begin the habit. As our government passes laws making it increasingly difficult for youth to obtain cigarettes and as the rest of the world follows Uncle Sam in limiting tobacco advertising and increasing cigarette prices through taxation, teens will not start smoking in such huge numbers. Finally, one day smoking will be no more. No more deaths, no more disease, no more grieving families around the world.
Welcome to the wonderful world of nonsmokers. You can do it!
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