Are you or someone you know trying to quit smoking? If so, the following information may help you. These 10 questions and answers are excerpted from a new consumer brochure by the U.S. Surgeon General.
Question: Why should I quit?
Answer: You will live longer and feel better. Quitting will lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. The people you live with, especially children, will be healthier. If you are pregnant, you will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. And you will have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.
Question: What is the first thing I need to do once I’ve decided to quit?
Answer: You should set a quit date-the day when you will break free of your tobacco addiction. Then, consider visiting your doctor or other health care provider before the quit date. Call us at Northwest Hypnotherapy Center to Stop Smoking in 90 minutes.
Question: How will I feel when I quit smoking? Will I gain weight?
Answer: Many smokers gain weight when they quit, but it is usually less than 10 pounds. Eat a healthy diet, stay active, and try not to let weight gain distract you from your main goal—quitting smoking. Also read our section on "Possible" Withdrawal Symptoms
Question: Some of my friends and family are smokers. What should I do when I’m with them?
Answer: Tell them that you are quitting, and ask them to assist you in this effort. Specifically, ask them not to smoke or leave cigarettes around you. Also read our Solution to "Thinking" About Cigarettes/Tobacco
Question: What kinds of activities can I do when I feel the urge to smoke?
Answer: Talk with someone, go for a walk, drink water, or get busy with a task. Reduce your stress by taking a hot bath, exercising, or reading a book. Also read our Solution to "Thinking" About Cigarettes/Tobacco
Question: How can I change my daily routine, which includes smoking a cigarette with my breakfast?
Answer: When you first try to quit, change your routine. Eat breakfast in a different place, and drink tea instead of coffee. Take a different route to work. Read about the Aspects of Smoking.
Question: I like to smoke when I have a drink. Do I have to give up both?
Answer: It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for the first 3 months after quitting because drinking lowers your chances of success at quitting. It helps to drink a lot of water and other nonalcoholic drinks when you are trying to quit. Read about the Aspects of Smoking.
Question: I’ve tried to quit before and it didn’t work. What can I do?
Answer: Remember that most people have to try to quit at least 2 or 3 times before they are successful. Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked—and what didn’t—and try to use your most successful strategies again. OR let Mr. Gallant help you he has a 95% success rate in the Stop Smoking in 90 minutes program.