Much of the hearsay evidence about smoking cessation is contradictory. How many people have you heard say "giving up smoking was the hardest thing I ever did". On the other hand I've heard some say, "one day I just gave up".
Have a look at these two quotes picked at random for a "quit smoking" google.
1.
"Many smokers try to go 'cold turkey'... Unfortunately, statistics show it's one of the less effective ways of quitting. For every 100 smokers who quit without aids or counselling, only 10 will remain non-smokers for 12 months."
© Marianne Møller, NetDoctor pharmacist
Last updated 16.05.2005
2.
"In fact, it is easier to stop smoking using the cold turkey method than by using any other technique. Cold turkey induces less suffering and creates a shorter period of withdrawal. Most important, cold turkey is the approach by which the smoker has the best chance of success."
© Joel Spitzer
Last updated on August 25, 2003
I'm not trying to poke fun at either of the experts quoted above. But I am trying to point out how we really don't know the best way to tackle addictions.
What seems to be for sure is that everyone is different and what works for one may not work for another.
In that case, I would like to explain my method for giving up, for what it's worth. And, if there is anyone else out there like me, maybe someone will benefit.
I started smoking when I was 18 and very quickly developed a 20 a day habit. I immediately noticed a dip in my health not to mention an increase in my asthma. But still I soldiered on. I tried to give up numerous times, sometimes using gum or patches, but it never worked. Every minute of the day I would think about smoking, or feel awkward, or both.
Over three years ago I developed a passing interest in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and from that became interested in self-hypnosis and meditation. For other reasons I started practising self-hypnosis and meditation for a few weeks and then one day stopped smoking! I was 35. I have been free from cigarettes and the desire to smoke for over 3 years. It was easy! I can remember no side-effects - no irritation, no depression, no physical changes.
I was very relaxed about the whole thing. I hadn't even wanted to give up.
All you can see on the internet about giving up is, generally, very serious. Pick a "quit date" ... Keep a diary ... Tell your friends. It's all very stressful. It's very focussed on a moment of achievement in the future and not about the present. Human beings don't work that way. We evolve moment by moment. I gave up smoking by concentrating on the present not by stressing about a "quit date". I would love to see these so called "experts" "prove" that "quit dates" are a good idea.
Back to my method. Don't put any pressure on yourself to quit just know that it will come eventually. We need to add a 5 minute routine to your daily life which may increase to 10 or 20 minutes as time goes by.
During these moments, try to concentrate on the present. Don't think about the past or the future. It's not as easy as it sounds. Methodology is on the website .
Try not to see yourself as an independent animal effected by, or even victimized by, his/her environment. Prefer to see the world as you as, for all you know, that's what it is.
(If you thought the above paragraph didn't make sense, don't worry!)
Relax! This is all about observation. Just as you observe your breathing, observe that you are feeling clean and better and that you want to smoke less.
Through the day concentrate on what you are doing. If you are walking, concentrate on the sensations of you feet on the ground.
All of life happens within this capacity of observation. The desire for a cigarette is just another little thing that goes on within this capacity and it will arise and pass just like your breath.
More info on my website
