It’s 2024: Time To Finally Quit Smoking

quit smoking

Addiction is an important and delicate issue, which is why so many researchers are devoted to studying the vast complexity of the world’s addictions. Yet, amazingly, after decades of research, scientists have found that the absolute worst addictive substance isn’t heroin or methamphetamines, but regular-old, completely legal nicotine.

Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco products like cigarettes and chew, is so difficult to kick because it digs into addicts with all sorts of claws. Physical and psychological effects, both positive and negative, appear in spades, and they only get worse during attempts to quit.

Most nicotine addicts make wishy-washy resolutions to break their habit, but you can truly succeed in 2024 with dedication and proper tools. If you want to get out from under the world’s worst addiction, this is what you need to do.

It’s high time to quit smoking! Keep reading to know more here.

Time To Finally Quit Smoking – 4 Effective Steps

Step One: Consult a Physician

time to quit smoking

No two smokers are the same, which means that plans to quit are not one-size-fits-all. For example, if you are a three-pack-a-day smoker, you probably will not find success by copying how your once recreational-smoker friend quit. Rather, you absolutely must visit your doctor before attempting to cease smoking entirely. A physician will be able to guide you toward tricks and tools that will work better for you specifically, and he or she may modify any prescriptions as you move to kick your habit. Plus, a doctor will be able to assess your current health standings, and this data will be fun to look back on after years of living as a healthy non-smoker.

Step Two: Set a Date

time to quit smoking

Much like no engagement is true until there is a wedding date, no promise to quit is believable without a firm starting date. Your first day without smoking should fall within two weeks after your decision to kick the habit so you’ll have enough time to prepare but not enough time to back out. Make sure that the day you pick won’t contain anything too physically or emotionally demanding — you don’t want to be too stressed when your body is already reeling without nicotine.

After you’ve chosen your date, tell your family and friends about your decision. Not only will your task be easier with a loving and helpful support group, but research shows people are less likely to rethink decisions if other people know about them. After all, it is embarrassing to go back on one’s word.

Step Three: Assemble Your Toolkit

time to quit smoking

No ex-smoker has successfully quit smoking without a bevy of tools at his or her fingers. There are a handful of new and old tools that you may want to experiment with during your recovery to curb cravings and negate triggers. If your doctor has any health concerns, be sure to talk over these means and methods before using them.

  • Medication. Because smokers are quitting their habit in droves, Pharmaceutical companies have found it wise to invest heavily in drugs that help end nicotine addiction. Prescription medications called smoking-cessation drugs are often used when nicotine replacement isn’t an option, but they can be used in conjunction with other means to thwart cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Gum. Nicotine gum serves two purposes: provide an exceedingly low dose of nicotine to ward off withdrawal symptoms, and substitute a dangerous habit with a somewhat more neutral one as you’re only getting nicotine from the gum and not additional harmful chemicals. The act of chewing gum is also repetitive and stimulating, much like smoking a cigarette, so many smokers find relief from their triggers by answering them with a stick of gum.
  • Patches. There are several types of medication that can now be administered via sticker on the skin, but nicotine is the oldest and widest-known drug used in patch form. Patches come in various nicotine strengths and are used to curb cravings and diminish withdrawal symptoms. Ideally, smokers use them in decreasing concentrations to slowly wean themselves off nicotine.
  • E-cigarettes. Like patches, e-cigs administer nicotine in varying concentrations, but like smoking, they do so using inhalation. Those who wish to quit smoking are turning to e-cigs because of potential —but as yet unconfirmed — health benefits, as well as customization options and delicious flavors. Quitting smokers can use e-cigs to help continually lower their dose of nicotine, but in a more familiar and fulfilling fashion.

Step Four: Live a Smoke-Free Lifestyle

time to quit smoking

Without the burden of regular cigarette cravings, ex-smokers can engage in activities that previously were outside their physical or mental limits. Most ex-smokers find themselves enjoying more healthful routines, including increased exercise and better meals, which eventually pays off in a substantially higher-quality life. Once you’ve lived through 2024 without a single smoke, you can reward yourself in kind by improving your lifestyle in other areas.

Now, start doing these above steps, it’s your choice and time to quit smoking!

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