Humans are built in such a way that they are constantly looking for ways to calm down, relax and unwind. For some it’s physical activity, music, and for others it’s smoking. However, the modern world is full of various activities and practices that help to relax and do not harm the body, so it remains to choose and give up smoking. The path to quitting can be difficult, but every journey towards a goal begins with a decision, in this case – decision to quit smoking.
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The biggest influence comes from those around you
“I started smoking in 2017. At first, one packet was enough for a week, then the need increased to two, three packets a week, until, finally, one packet was not enough for a day. People around me could confirm that I used to smoke one cigarette after another,” said Kristijonas, who gave up smoking a year ago.
The boy says that despite the fact that the environment did not pressure him to start smoking, he succumbed to the “herd feeling” and the constantly visible example became a part of his life without realizing it.
Aušra Bagdonaitė, head of the Antakalnis Mental Health Center, emphasizes that the influence of smoking peers, parents or others is one of the main factors that determine tobacco use, alongside the attractive packaging of cigarettes and tobacco products. It also highlights the evolving tobacco industry and the plethora of emerging tools. There is a false impression that these tools supposedly cause less harm than classic cigarettes.
According to Auksė Šileikytė, a psychiatrist at the Antakalnis polyclinic who works in a day hospital for adults, every year in the world 5 to 7 million people die from diseases caused by tobacco smoking, half of these deaths are premature, they can be prevented.
“Smoking has a negative impact on the immune system, increasing the risk of lung infection. When smoking, pneumonia and other acute diseases of the respiratory system are more common, and the probability of catching flu, colds, and tuberculosis also increases,” the expert taught.
Change depends on motivation
According to the psychiatrist, it is never too late to quit smoking, as morbidity and mortality from this harmful habit increase depending on how long it is engaged in. Addiction is a chronic disease, so quitting smoking can be, and usually is, a long-term process that requires several attempts. Choosing to quit smoking is a significant lifestyle change.
“A person’s personal characteristics, motivation, and what kind of help he asked for and to whom he confided his concerns mostly influence the twists and turns of the quitting journey. The most common motives leading to a successful cessation of tobacco are preserving health, saving money, preserving nature, having good breath and being an example to others,” said the day hospital psychiatrist.
Kristijonas, who graduated from Vilnius University, says that while studying at the university, he kept trying to quit smoking, but he couldn’t do it until finally, on August 14 of last year. smoked his last cigarette:
“Unexpectedly, I found a booklet on how to quit smoking. I started reading, I was interested, after reading 4 chapters, I realized that I don’t need a book to explain how to quit smoking, I can do it myself, without a book.”
Set a specific day
A. Šileikytė gives one piece of advice to those who want to end their addiction – to stop smoking. Not “less, not less”, but just stop. “Can’t be a little addicted. Either you’re addicted or you’re not,” she said.
“Quitting is not cutting down, so be prepared to give up all forms of smoking.” To help you keep this commitment, tell your family, friends, and coworkers, and talk to your doctor or other health care professional about what medication might be right for you.
Change your routine: Do your daily activities in a different order, at a different time of day, with people who don’t smoke, in different places. Avoid situations and environments where you used to smoke, boredom, have a book, a phone with you. Remind yourself every minute that you are getting closer to your goal and that you are choosing behavior based on your values that will not give you “pleasure now” but good in the long term,” the specialist advised.
Specialists help
A psychiatrist working for adults at the day-patient center of the Mental Health Center added that when quitting smoking, it is equally important to consider possible stressful situations and think about how you will overcome them without smoking.
“Envision specific actions, for example, start exercising, play music, listen to music, go for a walk. All situations can be solved without smoking. Remind yourself what important steps you are taking towards your health and the health of those around you,” the doctor shared her advice.
She also reminds us that relapse is a natural part of addiction recovery. What is more important is not how many relapses there will be, but how quickly they will be recognized. Scientific studies show that a higher percentage of successful quitters are among those who did it with the help of professionals compared to those who tried to quit smoking on their own.
The most important thing, according to psychiatrist A. Šileikytė, is to realize that a person who wants to quit smoking can be helped by various methods, but no means will help a person who does not want to do it.
More information on why and how to stop smoking can be found on the dedicated Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control website https://nerukysiu.lt. Also, from the beginning of 2024, a telephone helpline will start operating in Lithuania, whose specialists will give free advice to residents who want to quit smoking. In the near future, it will also be possible to find information on the website about the telephone helpline that will start operating in Lithuania from the beginning of 2024, whose specialists will give free advice to residents who want to quit smoking.
Uzsak. No. SAM-13
#quit #smoking #important
– 2024-04-24 10:40:29
