Understanding Your Smoking Addiction
Smoking has two addictive components, a physical and a mental need for the nicotine in tobacco. You need to conquer both to succeed. Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenges can ease your physical nicotine addiction, but your readiness and resolve are necessary to help overcome the mental side of your cigarette dependence. So, once you’re mentally ready, it’s time to begin.
Remember, quitting smoking isn’t easy — especially if this is your first time trying. If you’ve tried previously and gone back to smoking, the important part is to learn from your previous attempts, consider what went wrong and keep trying to quit until you succeed.
What Is Your Reason For Quitting?
Everyone has a reason for quitting. Whether you’re concerned about your health, your appearance, concern from your family and friends, or the effect of secondhand smoke on your loved ones. Whatever your reason, write it down on a card and keep it in your wallet. When you have an urge to smoke or experience a difficult moment, read it to remind yourself why you are quitting.
Surround Yourself With Support
Don’t go at this alone. Having a “quit buddy” such as a co-worker, spouse or friend, increases your chances of success. You can help each other out by providing extra encouragement in tough moments.
There may also be support groups in your area for people trying to quit. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association for further information.
American Lung Association: 1-800-LUNGUSA (800-586-4872)
American Cancer Society: 1-800-227-2345
American Heart Association: 1-800-242-8721
What You Can Expect When You Quit
When you first go smoke-free you will probably notice a few common withdrawal symptoms.
Remember, Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenges help reduce these symptoms, but may not eliminate them entirely. Stay focused on your goal of becoming an ex-smoker and they will go away with time. Research shows that if you manage to avoid all smoking in the first week — that means not having a single puff — your chances of success increase dramatically.
In the First Few Days Without a Cigarette
Your body needs time to regain balance. Initially, you may:
- Feel nervous or irritable
- Have difficulty concentrating
- Feel lightheaded or get headaches
- Have trouble sleeping
- Cough more. This a positive sign, as coughing helps clean your
lungs of the tar residue built up from smoking.
After a Couple of Weeks Without a Cigarette
At this stage you will probably notice positive signs that your
body is adapting to being smoke-free, such as:
- Improved sense of taste and smell
- Less coughing
- Improved breathing
- Withdrawal symptoms are subsiding. Don’t worry if
they’re still there, as they last longer for some people.
Around this time, your ability to cope with cravings should be getting stronger. But don’t be overly confident and think you can smoke just one cigarette. Even now, having a single puff can lead to smoking cigarettes regularly again. Be prepared to remind yourself why you quit and how you’ve already overcome the hardest part.
By the End of the First Month Without a Cigarette
About now, you shouldn’t be craving cigarettes as often. However, sudden and strong cravings may still happen. Be prepared for these challenging times and think of all the positives that have come from quitting:
- Lungs are clearing
- Breath smells better
- Clothes and hair are fresher
- Teeth are cleaner and brighter
- Skin is less likely to wrinkle
- Not smoking around your family and friends is healthier for them, too.