Why You're Really Not Quitting

Why Youre Really Not Quitting

by Katherine Steinberg

Seventy percent of current smokers want to quit, according to Dawn E. Wiatrek, Ph.D., Quitline Director, National Cancer Information Center, American Cancer Society. So why aren't more people stomping out their cigarette stubs? There are a variety of psychological reasons you're really not quitting, in addition to the very real physical addiction of tobacco. Read about what's keeping you addicted.

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Afraid to Gain Weight

Some people replace their nicotine habit with food when trying to quit, causing some ex-smokers to gain weight. However, staying slim is not a good reason to harm your health. There are ways to quit smoking without packing on the pounds. Try strategies like always carrying a water bottle and keeping your hands busy so your waistline won't suffer while you kick the habit.


You're Scared

What if you fail? What if this means you'll finally have to face the health repercussions of years of smoking? By not facing up to your fear you're just doing more damage to your body. In fact, a lot of people are more afraid of failing than quitting, says Wiatrek. But, quitting can be done, and it happens every day. She adds that it will get easier over time.


Getty Images

All Your Friends Smoke

When you're sitting around with your friends and everyone is lighting up, it's hard to stop yourself from joining in. It's more likely that you'll continue to smoke if everyone around you smokes too. In order to combat this desire, Wiatrek recommends avoiding places that are known smoking triggers. She adds that, although it's very difficult, people should try to change the habits they've created.


Matt Cardy/Getty Images

You Only Smoke Socially

Having a cigarette or two with friends can seem like an innocent habit, but it does plenty of damage to your health. A lot of people make the excuse that being a social smoker isn't as dangerous, but a recent study points to a link between being a "social smoker" and damage to your arteries. Not to mention the multiple studies showing that just being around smoke in a social environment can be hazardous to your health.


Getty Images

Force of Habit

It's not just the tobacco that's addictive; it's the habit of smoking itself. Studies show that the habit of smoking is just as powerful as your body's physical addiction to tobacco. Planning is your greatest weapon, says Wiatrek. If you plan your own distractions, then you won't need to rely on cigarettes so much. She recommends that you try visualizing your first day without a cigarette and what you would do instead of smoking.


It's Sexy

You see people smoking in the movies, on TV and in magazine ads. They are perfectly coiffed and puffing on slender cigarettes, looking alluring and debonair. It may look sexy from the outside, but what it does to your body is exactly the opposite. Smoking causes your breath to stink, your teeth to yellow and your skin to break out and wrinkle. There's nothing sexy about these side-effects, so why not put out that butt?

It Calms Your Nerves

Smoking may seem relaxing because of its depressant properties, but there are stimulant properties as well. There may be some immediate withdrawal symptoms, such as jitteriness or dry mouth, but the long-term benefits are worth it, says Wiatrek. There are many ways to relax yourself that don't involve endangering your health. Try taking a walk, or new exercise techniques like yoga.


jupiterimages

An Excuse for a Break

If you're stuck at a desk job, it may seem like smoking is a great way to get up and move around. However, the benefits of getting out of your chair are quickly discounted by the smoke you inhale. There are plenty of other ways to break up the monotony of a work day. Rather than smoking, take a walk, make a phone call or simply read a book, says Wiatrek. She adds that one should find something easy and enjoyable to do that isn't a trigger.


Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Because You Like It

You enjoy smoking, so why quit? You know all the health risks, but you're still lighting up and not giving it a second thought. There are plenty of people who simply enjoy the act of smoking, but the more educated they are about the long-term risks, the less likely they will be to continue to smoke. If you or someone you love is not interested in quitting, you should continue to provide them with information and opportunities to quit. Explain the benefits of quitting, and show firsthand examples, says Wiatrek.


PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images