Smoking or chewing tobacco is bad for your health. Many people try and succeed at quitting. Many others, however, attempt and fail to quit. This could be because smoking or chewing tobacco is addictive.
It can create changes in your body and behavior. Nicotine addiction is responsible for the alterations in your body. This is the primary component of tobacco products. These modifications could have occurred gradually over time and became habits.
Many things seem to go together with having a cigarette, dip, or chewing when you have a tobacco habit. These could include drinking coffee or alcohol, being concerned or worried, talking on the phone, driving, socializing with friends, or wanting to do something with your hands or lips.
You may also face peer pressure from friends who use tobacco products. Don't allow anyone or anything to convince you that smoking or chewing is acceptable. If you need assistance saying no, go to someone you can trust, such as a teacher, counselor, family doctor, or the Addiction Hotline (888) 672-2120.
Wanting to quit is a great starting step. You'll have the best chance of succeeding if you perform the following:
- Prepare.
- Get support and encouragement.
- Learn how to handle stress and the urge to use tobacco.
- Get medication and use it correctly.
- Be prepared for relapse.
- Keep trying.
To make quitting simpler, take the following steps:
Choose a timeline.
- Choose a date that is 2 to 4 weeks away so that you can prepare to quit. Choose a period when things in your life will change, such as when you're about to start a break from school, if possible. Alternatively, choose a time when you don't anticipate any additional stress at school, work, or home.
Make a list of your reasons for quitting.
- Keep the list handy so you can refer to it if you get a nicotine craving.
Maintain a record of where, when, and why you consume tobacco.
- You may wish to keep track of when and why you crave a cigarette or chew for a week or so. Make a plan for what you'll do instead. You should also consider what you will reply to folks who pressure you to consume tobacco products.
Throw away all your tobacco
- If you smoked in your room, clean it up. Throw away your ashtrays and lighters, as well as anything else associated with your smoking habit. Get rid of any old chewing tobacco containers or other items you used.
Inform your friend that you are quitting.
- Ask them not to put any pressure on you to quit. Find something else to do with them rather than smoking or chewing tobacco.
When your stop date arrives, stop.
- Reward yourself for each day, week, or month you go without smoking. Buy yourself new clothing, or invite a friend to see a movie with you.
