The Cold Turkey approach is based on willpower, which addresses the problem at the level of the conscious mind. For some people, it may work very well; however, it is not always the case. The dilemma is a tag-of-war between conscious and subconscious minds. The conscious mind constitutes less than ten percent, while the subconscious mind is more than ninety percent. So, while consciously someone may desperately try to quit smoking; however, sooner or later the subconscious limiting beliefs are likely to resurface and to lead to self-sabotage. Similar patterns observed with losing weight (ninety percent of diets do not work) when. Mentally and physically a person may work really hard to get to the desired weight; however, the results normally do not sustain over a longer period of time. It is a tug of war between conscious and subconscious. The numbers do not lie, 10 versus 90, tell you which one is more powerful. Another con of this approach is that “radical” change can be very stressful for the mind. The conscious mind doesn’t like abrupt changes when it has to “work” really hard to adopt a new habit of nicotine “sobriety.” Therefore, the conscious mind is likely to resist the pressure of hard work, while remembering “a comfortable” and familiar habit of smoking.
Stop Smoking Hypnosis can really help you to stop smoking. Clinical hypnosis may be used to treat certain physical or psychological problems. For instance, it is frequently used to help patients control pain. It is also used in a wide range of other conditions such as weight issues, speech disorders, and addiction problems. During hypnosis for smoking cessation, a patient is often asked to imagine unpleasant outcomes from smoking. For example, the hypnotherapist might suggest that cigarette smoke smells like truck exhaust, or that smoking will leave the patient’s mouth feeling extremely parched. Hypnosis, in general, does not work for everyone. About one in four people are not able to be hypnotized. When successful, the intensity of hypnosis can vary from person to person. Additionally, hypnosis is not an approved therapy by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Self-Hypnosis Most smokers struggle more with psychological dependence than a physical one. The nicotine addiction is one percent physical and 99 percent mental. The habits relating to smoking are rooted at a subconscious level. Although nicotine replacement therapy products, such as gums, patches, nasal sprays, and lozenges provide relief from nicotine withdrawal, they do not address the psychological issues. To stop smoking for good, core beliefs and myths about “pleasure” of smoking need to be addressed. Self-hypnosis offers an option of changing the disempowering beliefs. This is why self-hypnosis is one of the best coping skills to help you to become a non-smoker. Self-hypnosis allows you to face the root of the problem and to reframe your entire view of smoking at the level of subconscious mind.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Gums, patches, nasal sprays, and lozenges are some of the options to quit smoking. How effective is NRT? While you’ll continue to get some nicotine in your system, you won’t be exposed to any of the other harmful chemicals that are found in tobacco. This is the most common type of treatment used to help people quit smoking. Doctors often recommend NRT and studies show that it is safe and effective. However, some side effects are possible for any treatment option. While some people may experience side effects, others may not. Some side effects include skin irritation, nausea, headaches and more.
Counseling. Addressing core beliefs, emotions, and thoughts can help you to acknowledge the actual reasons for addictive behavior. Inner work is a real transformation and worth it. The root of addiction may stem from a childhood trauma, low self-esteem, abandonment, neglect, etc. Any behavior is rooted in our core belief system about self, life, relationships, and so on. It is good to dive into yourself to explore why you do things the way you do. Diving deep into yourself (maybe for the first time), you never know how many pearls and diamonds you may still undiscovered about yourself. Ancient Greek motto states “Know Thyself.” Life can be viewed as about evolving and about finding a balance between holding on and letting go. In this regard, the road to ultimate freedom is taking personal responsibility and liberating oneself from negative habits and beliefs, from being codependent (on substance) to being independent and free. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic theories, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, few to mention, are some of the approaches to treat addictive behavior. Still conventional therapy has its own limitations. Its effectiveness depends on motivation to succeed, support system, as well as a personal commitment.
Counting Down is a very simple strategy. It implies that you gradually reduce how much you smoke. For example, if you smoke a half-a pack, then the following week you reduce only one cigarette, and so on. You can even schedule a specific time when to smoke and when not. In the case of a half pack, it may take you 10 weeks to quit (20 weeks if someone smokes a pack). Such changes are likely to be permanent because they lead to gradual transition over time without going through withdrawal and cravings. You may also consider scheduled time intervals when you smoke to ensure that it is not sporadic, and you do not exceed your limits of smoking. If you are able to discipline yourself by being accountable, this approach is for you. However, any addiction can be viewed as a compulsive and automatic (unconscious) behavior, which usually controls a person’s choices of using. Still it’s only you who always makes a choice, and decisions. Not making decisions is also a choice. Addiction also has to do with immediate gratification. When you are able to follow your strategy of quitting you are in control versus being controlled by cigarettes.
The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an evidence-based therapeutic method. When it comes to quitting cigarettes, it is your subconscious mind that dictates the behavior. EFT is being widely used for a number of issues, including addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) and more. EFT can release the worry of withdrawal, the fear of gaining weight, as well as anxiety that is associated with quitting smoking. The EFT can be your ultimate freedom from addictive behavior. You can learn more about EFT here.
- It Does Not Matter How Slowly You Go As Long As You Do Not Stop.
- I’m Not Telling You It Is Going To Be Easy, I’m Telling You It’s Going To Be Worth It.
- My Recovery Must Come First So That Everything I Love In Life Doesn’t Have To Come Last.
- Recovery is something that you have to work on every single day; however, you can work joyfully (not hard way) – that makes a difference.
- Happiness is making progress.
- It’s not that some people have willpower and some don’t. It’s that some people are ready to change and others are not.
- Recovery is not for people who need it. It’s for people who want it.
- You were never created to live depressed, defeated, addicted, guilty, ashamed, condemned or unworthy