The addiction to nicotine is a powerful one to overcome. Cigarette manufacturers have known this for ages, which is why they at one time developed chemicals that would aid in increasing the nicotine transport to the bloodstream to enhance and intensify the addiction. It was good for business. This is a highly addictive and powerful substance which makes your body become psychologically and physically dependent on it. Any successful smoking cessation program must address both of these factors.
One of the things that you need to be aware of is the fact that you are going to experience some pretty major withdrawal symptoms when you give up smoking. First, since this act is one of behavior modification it requires the giving up of the habit. Denying nicotine to the body forces a physiological response which can result in anger and frustration, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, problems concentrating, increased appetite and headaches. All of these issues have to be dealt with.
Many people are overcome by the severity of their withdrawal symptoms and begin smoking again to relieve them. This is a tough habit to overcome, especially for those who have smoked a lot for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms for those attempting to quit smoking can begin within a couple of hours and stay fairly intense for several days, but can last for weeks.
Sometimes we hear people question why they should even stop smoking, after all they have lived as long as they have with no problems. I can assure you, there may be no outward evidence in some people, but inside your body is a mess and could be eaten up with cancer. The concern for your health should be the number one reason for you to quit. It is proven that cigarette smoking can lead to many types of cancers including lung cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, voice box, throat, kidneys, cervix, and may more. Smoking also increases the risk of death due to cardiac arrest. For women over 35 years old using birth control there is an even more pronounced risk of heart attack and stroke as well as the risk of blood clots in the legs.
From a cosmetic standpoint it will give you yellow hair and fingernails, wrinkled skin, horrible smelling hair and clothes, and halitosis. It will also discolor your teeth, sometimes permanently. Wow, that’s attractive.
For those who think it’s too late, I have news for you the effects from smoking are largely reversible and it doesn’t matter how long you have had the habit, quitting will increase your lifespan.
Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more about Herbal Quit Smoking Aids at quitsmokingplusdotcom