Stop Smoking Tips

Smokeless Tobacco - Is it better than Smoking Cigarettes?

Some people mistakenly believe using smokeless tobacco, also called chewing tobacco, can help them to be healthier than smoking cigarettes.

It is true that there are certain problems that arise from smoking cigarettes… problems relating to breathing difficulties, like emphysema, that might not be prevalent in those who chew tobacco. However, there are enough other health problems that are associated with chewing tobacco to raise a warning for anyone engaged in or considering this habit.

The increased incidence of mouth cancer, receding gums, bad breath and tooth discoloration alone should be enough to dissuade even the most curious from picking up this habit. If not, there are cancer of the lips, mouth, throat and tongue. All of these conditions are associated with smokeless tobacco.

Another misconception some people have concerning chewing tobacco is that it will somehow help them to perform better either physically, mentally, or both. This type of effect has not been proven in scientific studies, however the negative effects have been proven.

The tobacco used in these products is the same as the tobacco used in cigarettes. It contains the same toxins and is addicting. Those who do quit go through the same withdrawal symptoms as those who quit smoking cigarettes.

Tobacco chewers pick up the habit for the same reasons people smoke. Chewing tobacco can make them feel relaxed or comfort them. In addition, because of the flavorings and added sugar, the taste can be pleasant.

Anyone considering taking up smokeless tobacco, or who is currently chewing or even trying to stop this habit should be concerned with the fact that over half of the people who use these tobacco products will eventually suffer from a condition called Leukoplakia.

Leukoplakia is a precursor to mouth cancer and appears as a white sore or plaque in the mouth. This is common in people who use smokeless tobacco, and is often mistaken for a callus. This should demonstrate that even though one might not get lung cancer, there are other forms that can be even more prevalent, and are truly a risk when engaging in this behavior.

Even the least of the associated conditions, gum disease, carries a host of problems for the sufferer, and should be sufficient deterrent to picking up this habit, or sufficient reason to quit as soon as possible.

Quitting smokeless tobacco can be done following the same steps used to quit smoking cigarettes. Use a plan such as the one found in Quit Smoking With Confidence to increase your odds of success. You can do this.

You Want To Quit Smoking… so why do you suddenly have an irresistible urge to pick up a pack?

Most people who smoke have ‘triggers’ that make them want to smoke.

There can be many and varied reasons why people will reach for a smoke in certain situations and when they are feeling particular emotions. The key is to identify what these emotions or events are that cause these urges. That can help you to begin the process of quitting smoking forever.

Feeling down or depressed is a very common trigger as smoking can act as a comforting element in a person’s life. Many people smoke because they are shy or self conscious and smoking gives them something to do to take their mind off their anxiety or nervousness. The nicotine can have a calming effect on the nerves, as well.

Other people will feel like lighting up when they are angry as this will help them to calm down and manage their situation better.

Virtually any emotion can be a trigger for someone to feel like smoking and it is necessary to determine what YOUR emotional triggers are if you do have them.

It might be that you don’t have any problems relating to emotional triggers but rather situations that cause you to feel like smoking.

You might feel like smoking when you are listening to music, driving your car or watching the television. Some people like to have a smoke after a meal or when they are consuming alcohol.

Many people have conditioned themselves to feel like smoking when they are socializing, partying and drinking and often this is one of the hardest aspects of life to deal with for those who are trying to quit smoking, because they do not alter their lifestyles to remove the triggers.

Others feel like they need a smoke to help them start their day or at the end of the day to help them unwind.

Observe yourself. Only you know when the urge to smoke hits. What are you feeling? What are you doing? Keep a log for a week or two and see what kinds of patterns emerge.

Once you have identified the triggers in your life you can begin to deal with the situations that bring on those smoking urges. You need to look at the things that trigger your desire to have a smoke and see if you can discover an alternate solution that will help you to cope with the situation without the need for a cigarette.

If one alternative doesn’t work for you then try another and keep trying until you find something that is satisfactory.

Sooner or later you will find something that can give you enough satisfaction to not need the cigarette each time such an emotion or situation arises. You CAN control your smoking. Get a handle on those smoking triggers!

RE: Weight Gain when Quitting Smoking

Here it is… the beginning of the year and you’ve kicked the habit. Now, do you have to worry about gaining weight??

Many people substitute mindless munching for a drag on the cigarette, especially right after they have stopped smoking. This can lead to a dramatic weight gain over time, even if you only add 100 calories a day to your diet.

All is not lost, though. There are simple things you can do to curb your appetite, or to munch without the waistline consequence.

1. Try distracting yourself first. If you can read a book, call a friend, play with your children or your pet, go for a drive… do it instead.
2. Exercise… go for a walk, jazzercise, use those exercise machines collecting dust and clothing in your bedroom, go to the gym.
3. Have healthy snacks around. Fruit… apples, dates, raisins, even bananas and oranges will not pack on the pounds. Veggies… but hold the dip! Have carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower cut up and ready in baggies for those weak moments.
4. If you don’t like exercise or healthy snacks… and don’t have anything at hand to distract yourself with… try dividing your regular meals into smaller portions so you can snack on a second portion between meals without adding to your daily caloric intake.

The key is to not increase the calories… even a small increase of around 100 calories a day (one soda) can add 10 pounds a year to your body.

The idea is to get rid of the cigarettes that are harming you, without harming yourself in another way.