How Long To Quit Smoking
Have you or somebody you know tried to quit smoking? If you have, then you probably know that people can go back to that nasty habit even after months of smoke-free life. And I won't blame you if you are thinking "If I have to suffer for over a year just to quit smoking, maybe it's not worth it". People who struggle a lot when they quit are not doing it the right way. They are trying to get ahead of themselves and that is why all their efforts are in vain.
This is the most common mistake that people make. And after a few tries and thousands of dollar spent on worthless products they finally give up. This is not the way to quit smoking because it focuses only on the physical - the pill and the patch provide you with nicotine, and the spray makes cigarettes taste nasty. But when you encounter problems in your life, these products are not enough to stop you from going straight to smoking 2 packs a day or more (your brain will trick you into thinking that you need to catch up). If this is how you are trying to quit than you may never actually succeed in doing it.
Pre-contemplation Phase - this is an early phase of quitting and you are just contemplating on giving up smoking. This stage is also characterized by not realizing that smoking is a problem and as a result there is no serious desire to quit.
Contemplation Phase - you finally realize the disadvantages of smoking but you are not yet ready to quit. You read information, leaflets, online sites and become aware of the resources for people who would like to know how long does it take to stop smoking but you doubt that you can handle it.
Preparation Phase - you have made conclusions that smoking is indeed a health problem for you and for people around you. Not only do you look at available resources but you draw plans to start to quit.
Action Phase - you are using techniques and strategies to stop smoking. The shortest time to stop smoking is about four weeks but may take 6 or more months on average. It is also during the action phase when individuals experience withdrawal symptoms. Proper management of nicotine replacement therapy and other techniques must be done with the help of your doctor.
Maintenance Phase - you have managed withdrawal symptoms and have achieved a new lifestyle: a "smoke-free lifestyle" The move to a casual or a social smoker must never be considered at all cost.
Termination Phase - you have finally conquered your addiction to cigarettes and already know what triggers your craving for smoke. You can function fully without the need to smoke and without anyone reminding you of your sobriety. Remember too that even years of giving up, it is estimated that 90% of smokers who give up return.
Relapse Phase - relapse is a part of any recovery. It usually takes four to five attempts to quit before a smoker finally stops for good. Don't lose hope, go back to phase one and start all over again; chances are you will feel stronger and persistent as you try to quit again.
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