Sunday, November 30, 2008

You don't have to quit smoking alone

By Darren Warmuth

Finding a support system that works for you is crucial in becoming a non-smoker. It needn't be a lonely, isolated journey which you take by yourself. Whether it be via an online forum, local church group, or through family and friends (excercise caution here), the key is to find people to help you in times of strife.

There's several free online message boards on the Internet that those with limited time may find to be a valuable option. It will help you connect with other people who are trying to stop smoking as well; it'll give you a place to talk about your withdrawal symptoms or other challenges that you are facing with your new lifestyle.

When searching out these forums, be sure to find one that has the differing stages of quitting smoking broken down so that you can go straight to the area which would help you most. Find the posts that coincide with the challenges you are facing at the time and again, you will find that others will have had challenges with the very same issues.

As mentioned above, be cautious when enlisting the help of friends and family, because at times, even when they think they are being helpful, they can irritate you or even push you towards a relapse by pestering you about your trials and tribulations of quitting.

Best to deal with this issue before you quit by having a quick conversation with friends and family. Ask them not to incessently query you about 'how you are doing' as with the withdrawal symptoms, it is possible that you will become more easily agitated. Help nip it in the bud before it happens.

One other option is a local smoking cessation meeting that is usually held at a community church, health care center, or sometime even a school. Most of these groups meetings are held either at no cost or very low cost, so everyone can attend.

Usually lasting about an hour or so, local support groups will give you the opportunity (as with online forums) to speak with others in the same situation as you. One of the huge benefits of course it the personal contacts you will make which could develop into quitting buddies. Having a buddy to assist you can be a great ally in remaining a non-smoker.

Whichever method you choose the chances for your success are greatly improved, by having a strong support system set in place, before your quit day. Making sure that you have utilized every tool that is available to you is only going to increase your chances of starting a new life as a nonsmoker. - 15266

About the Author: