Why You Need Support to Quit Smoking
It is thought that thousands of people quit smoking every day, and that thousands more replace them; why should you quit smoking. Some people quit for their health, for others it is the financial costs, and for some they want to regain control over their lives. Even the most dedicated person can find it difficult to quit when their triggers arise, that is one reason it is important to reason to have support to quit smoking and stay quit.Support to quit smoking can come in many forms; a support group, a trusted friend or relative, a doctor, or even internet based quit smoking support groups. Whichever way you feel the most confident that you will be able to stand up to your triggers and stay the course even no matter how your situation changes.
Knowing Your Triggers
What are triggers? Triggers are your automatic “I need to smoke” response situations; for example when many smokers wake up they are triggered to smoke. Knowing your most habitual triggers will help you to quit successfully. The best way to do this is to make a smoking journal, write down each cigarette you smoke for one week and why; not only are you likely to be surprised how many cigarettes you smoke, but also why, share your findings with your quit smoking support person or group. How often do you smoke because your bored, tired, hungry, driving, stressed, or dozens of other reasons?Identify your strongest triggers; know which of your triggers are the strongest and come up with counter measures. Quit smoking support groups are terrific resources for alternatives to smoking in various situations, because they have already been through it, or are currently going through it, and are making the same excuses you are. At least at when you first quit smoking you will want to avoid your biggest triggers such as being enclosed with smokers, or drinking alcohol.