Introduction
Nicotine is one of the most harmful and widely available legal substances worldwide. It is addictive and harmful to both smokers and people passively exposed to tobacco smoke, especially children. If you want to quit smoking, but don’t know where to start, make a structured plan.
Deciding to quit smoking can be challenging, but with the right determination, preparation and support, it is possible to do so successfully.
Steps
1. Decide to break the habit
Think about whether you want to quit smoking and consider whether a life without tobacco is more attractive than your current life as a smoker.
Ask yourself how smoking affects your health, appearance, lifestyle and your loved ones and whether these areas would improve by quitting.
Make a list of all the reasons you want to quit smoking and prepare yourself for nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
2. Develop a plan to kick the habit
Choosing a date to start the plan and selecting a method are key steps in this process.
Being prepared for the urge to smoke is also important and having an action plan to deal with these situations can be helpful.
3. Put the plan into practice
Preparing the environment, asking loved ones for support, and preparing for potential triggers are important steps to achieving success on this journey.
4. Use aids to quit smoking
Considering the use of electronic cigarettes, seeking professional help or resorting to nicotine replacement therapy are options to consider to facilitate the process of quitting smoking.
Tips and Precautions
It is important to seek the right support and understand that quitting smoking can be a difficult process, but with the right support, it is possible.
It should be borne in mind that quitting smoking can increase the quality of life and health both for oneself and for the people around the smoker, especially children.
The use of electronic cigarettes or professional aids should be considered with caution and always under the supervision and advice of a health professional.
