Post by Ann on Nov 2, 2005 14:12:45 GMT -5
Stop it! Stop it right now!
BY MARY MEEHAN
Knight Ridder News Service
When it comes to quitting smoking, it's trite but true: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. And again and again and again.
Nicotine's grip on a smoker is difficult -- to say the least -- to break.
It's all about the science. Nicotine is a chemical that bathes your brain, giving you a feeling of euphoria so, at the same time your organs are working overtime to deal with the toxin, your head is screaming for more.
''People don't realize that tobacco use is a chronic disease, and it's a very severe addiction,'' said Ellen Hahn, a tobacco-control researcher and professor of nursing at the University of Kentucky. It's an addiction on par with cocaine and heroin, said Phillip Mulholland, director of a tobacco prevention and cessation program.
Most smokers know the stuff is unhealthy, but there is something about that first cigarette of the day that has no match.
''Most smokers, frankly, enjoy smoking,'' Mulholland said.
Smokers and nonsmokers alike tend to underestimate the grip tobacco can have. No one wants to think a plant can get the better of them.
''I didn't think I was addicted,'' said Mulholland, a former smoker. ``I look back on it now, and I think I certainly was addicted, I absolutely was.''
Hahn said people know it's unhealthy, but ``that's not the point. What they need to do is be convinced of the benefits of quitting.''
And quitting is possible.
''It's like any chronic diseases: You need a long-term plan to treat it,'' Hahn said.
Mulholland and Hahn both suggest taking advantage of help. Hahn said that for every 100 smokers who try to quit without assistance or a firm plan, only three to five succeed. Most people try five to 10 times before they finally quit.
Not surprisingly, smokers don't respond well to nagging. But, Hahn said, they do better with support. A simple ''I know you can do it'' can go a long way toward helping someone take the first step toward quitting.
Things you can do to quit:
• Get ready to quit by setting a quit date.
• Before your quit date, get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car and place of work. Ask others not to smoke in your home.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicine that can help, including nasal sprays, inhalers, gum, patches or pills.
• Ask your family, friends and co-workers for support. Get together locally or online with others who are trying to quit, or call a hotline.
• Don't give up if you begin smoking again. Set a new quit date. Try to avoid alcohol and being around smoking. Eat healthful food, get exercise and keep a positive attitude. Most people try several times to quit before they succeed.
BY MARY MEEHAN
Knight Ridder News Service
When it comes to quitting smoking, it's trite but true: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. And again and again and again.
Nicotine's grip on a smoker is difficult -- to say the least -- to break.
It's all about the science. Nicotine is a chemical that bathes your brain, giving you a feeling of euphoria so, at the same time your organs are working overtime to deal with the toxin, your head is screaming for more.
''People don't realize that tobacco use is a chronic disease, and it's a very severe addiction,'' said Ellen Hahn, a tobacco-control researcher and professor of nursing at the University of Kentucky. It's an addiction on par with cocaine and heroin, said Phillip Mulholland, director of a tobacco prevention and cessation program.
Most smokers know the stuff is unhealthy, but there is something about that first cigarette of the day that has no match.
''Most smokers, frankly, enjoy smoking,'' Mulholland said.
Smokers and nonsmokers alike tend to underestimate the grip tobacco can have. No one wants to think a plant can get the better of them.
''I didn't think I was addicted,'' said Mulholland, a former smoker. ``I look back on it now, and I think I certainly was addicted, I absolutely was.''
Hahn said people know it's unhealthy, but ``that's not the point. What they need to do is be convinced of the benefits of quitting.''
And quitting is possible.
''It's like any chronic diseases: You need a long-term plan to treat it,'' Hahn said.
Mulholland and Hahn both suggest taking advantage of help. Hahn said that for every 100 smokers who try to quit without assistance or a firm plan, only three to five succeed. Most people try five to 10 times before they finally quit.
Not surprisingly, smokers don't respond well to nagging. But, Hahn said, they do better with support. A simple ''I know you can do it'' can go a long way toward helping someone take the first step toward quitting.
Things you can do to quit:
• Get ready to quit by setting a quit date.
• Before your quit date, get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car and place of work. Ask others not to smoke in your home.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicine that can help, including nasal sprays, inhalers, gum, patches or pills.
• Ask your family, friends and co-workers for support. Get together locally or online with others who are trying to quit, or call a hotline.
• Don't give up if you begin smoking again. Set a new quit date. Try to avoid alcohol and being around smoking. Eat healthful food, get exercise and keep a positive attitude. Most people try several times to quit before they succeed.