Congratulations on starting your journey.
There are many different methods to Stop Smoking or any of these habits, however not all of these address the three main components that can make quitting so difficult.
Physical
- Cigarettes contain an addictive chemical called nicotine, that when inhaled causes the release of another chemical called dopamine in the brain that makes you feel good. Dopamine can be released due to any habit that you have trained yourself and conditioned yourself to believe that it makes you feel good. Unfortunately, after the dopamine wears off, these symptoms return which causes the smoker to crave another cigarette. Or the gambler to want to gamble again, or the other habits already mentioned.
Mental
- The act of smoking is often part of a daily routine. Smokers tend to light up at specific times of day—when drinking coffee or driving—or when they’re feeling a certain way, like stressed or tired. Cigarettes can become a crutch, almost like a steady friend you can rely on. Stay on track with your quit by identifying these moments and triggers, and relearning or adjusting behaviours to stay strong during a craving. These routines can be the same for gambling, eating or drinking alcohol.
Social
- Many smokers develop social groups around smoking—people will head out for a smoke break with friends or co-workers. Or it can be similar for drinking or gambling.
