Q: Why is it so hard to quit tobacco?
A: Mark Twain is credited with saying that giving up tobacco is the easiest thing in the world; he’d done it hundreds of times. The truth is, quitting tobacco is very difficult, both from a physiological and psychological perspective. Nicotine activates the “reward pathways” in the brain, releasing dopamine and stimulating feelings of pleasure. This causes long-term changes in the brain, driving addiction with the desire to continue those feelings of pleasure. The loss of this stimulant often results in withdrawal, which is why as many as 85 percent of people who attempt to quit tobacco on their own often relapse into using tobacco. Most of those experience their relapse within a week of quitting.
Q: Why do people start using tobacco again?
A: Relapse can occur for many reasons — often due to something that “triggers” the desire to use tobacco. Many may experience the desire for a cigarette while engaging in activities during which they used to smoke, like while driving, socializing or following a meal. Other factors can also induce the desire to smoke, such as stressful situations or feeling sad or depressed.
Managing these triggers is key to successfully quitting tobacco. Try to do something to distract yourself from your desire to smoke. Call a friend or loved one, turn up the radio and sing along or even engage in a bit of intense physical activity — whatever you need to do to get past the craving. Most cravings tend to last only five to 10 minutes, so getting past the craving shouldn’t take long. If nothing else, keep reminding yourself of why you’re quitting and how much money you’ll save.
Q: What can I do to quit tobacco?
A: The people who most frequently relapse into using tobacco are those who try to go it alone. Support is essential to quitting tobacco. Tanner offers Freedom From Smoking classes. Find a class and register today!
Villa Rica Family Medicine, a Tanner Medical Group practice, is located in Villa Rica. For more information, visit VillaRicaFamilyMedicine.org or call 770-456-3785.