Cigarettes are big business. In spite of the warning labels and graphic images of medical consequences that appear on cigarette packaging and on TV, people continue to smoke.
What a daunting situation this is for people who are addicted to them and are trying to quit when cigarettes are available in every grocery store, convenience store and pharmacy.
The fact is cigarettes are never going to disappear completely and for those trying to quit, this is the first realization that has to be met.
The second is to realize that you really have had it and you want to quit.
Perhaps it’s the cost of a pack that has you riled, or the fact that you are on your hands and knees looking for a butt in a the middle of the night.
Or maybe you are tired of being an addict. Whatever the reason, when you are ready to quit, truly ready, then you can look into some options.
Third, the best way to quit is to never look back.
That’s why step two is so important. If you are not really ready and feel forced into it, chances are you will light up again and feel like you have failed. You haven’t.
Many former smokers have tried and tried again. Don’t give up, but wait for the right moment.
So you have reached the third phase. You feel ready. Circle a date on the calendar and make that the day you stop smoking.
It does not have to be today or tomorrow, but make it soon to prove to yourself you have made up your mind.
And talk to your health care professional for the healthiest way you can avoid the smokes.
