Quit Smoking – Diagnose if Someone Has a Smoking Problem

Smoking has a very well-known list of side effects; this list includes cardiovascular and respiratory disease, cancer, infertility, stillbirth, and low birth weight, among many other health complications. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “the adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths, or nearly one of every five deaths, each year in the United States.” The negative effects of smoking are clearly understood; even casual smoking can be detrimental and should be avoided. That being said, as with alcohol consumption, there are varying degrees of smoking. Individuals who are addicted to nicotine become dependent on cigarettes, and should seek help.

Identifying Indicators and Signs of Smoking Addiction

Though it may seem that the mere act of smoking is indication enough, there are actually varying stages of this habit. In severe cases, individuals will “chain smoke” on nearly a nearly continuous basis. How can you tell if you or someone you know has a smoking problem? Here is a list of potential indicators:

• Smoke to relieve stress
• Smoke even when sick
• Constantly out of breath
• Smoke to relax
• Multiple attempts to quit smoking have been unsuccessful

Please note that this is not a complete and definite list. However, most of these traits are associated with a smoking problem. If any of the above habits describe you or someone that you know, the offending individual may want to seek professional medical attention to quit smoking.

How to Quit Smoking

Nicotine is a very strong drug. To conquer your addiction, you may want to consider several different options.

• Embrace a Hobby—In order to stop smoking, it is best to invest time in a hobby. By filtering your energy into an extracurricular activity like sports, reading, videogames or volunteering, you can take your mind off of smoking. The craving will still be there, but remember to be strong.
• Find a Reason to Stop Smoking—For example, if you are going to be a mother or a father, knowing the dire effects that smoking can cause your baby can be enough incentive to quit. Justifying why you should quit smoking is a great first step to recovery.
• Seek Professional Medical Attention—If self-motivation is not enough to help you quit, make sure to seek professional medical attention. There is a wealth of resources to aid you in your mission, so be sure to consult with a medical professional. There is no shame in seeking assistance from others, particularly when they are so well-equipped to help.

If you are a smoker, relax and take a breath—you can and will quit. If someone that you love is a smoker, you can help them quit through these simple measures. Regardless, take comfort in the fact that there is a solution. Smoking can be overcome and doing so can have a positive, lasting impact on a person’s quality of life—be it yours or a family member’s!