“I want to quit smoking but I enjoy it” is a common response from countless smokers who want to quit. Want to find out how to quit even if you think you like it? In this article take a look at how to quit even if you think you like it.
Smoking is something millions of people struggle with worldwide. Many see it as a source of comfort and a way to cope with stress. It is also known to be an enjoyable social activity amongst smokers. Despite the perceived benefits, many smokers have a lingering desire to quit in the back of their minds.
I smoked for 25 years and I’m all too familiar with that lingering desire to quit that was hidden somewhere in the back of my mind. This desire was usually spurred on by pestering thoughts about the health consequences of my heavy smoking.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to quit smoking, but I enjoy it,” you’re most definitely not alone. This internal conflict is a common experience shared among smokers. They’re stuck between the perceived pleasure of smoking and the knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking.
The Perceived Pleasure of Smoking
Let’s be honest – most smokers strongly believe that smoking has many benefits. For many, smoking is a ritual. It’s the first thing they do in the morning after waking up. When a break comes up at work, they light up. Many love a social cigarette with friends. The smoker is convinced that these moments feel comforting, familiar and enjoyable.
Smokers often use smoking as a coping mechanism. They use it for a quick fix for stress, anxiety or even boredom. With time, the habit becomes deeply ingrained with daily life.
The Unvarnished Reality of Smoking
The reality is that the experience of smoking a cigarette is unpleasant due to the sheer volume of toxic irritants present in the smoke. Tissues in the mouth and throat along with nasal passages become irritated due to thousands of chemicals such as acrolein and formaldehyde present in cigarette smoke. Not convinced? Light up a cigarette right now and pay attention to the smell, taste and sensations of the smoke in your mouth and the sensation when you inhale.
The truth is that the chemical assault on the tissues triggers a burning sensation and a bitter, acrid taste. The unpleasant effects of the smoke on the tissues also acts as a natural warning signal from the body. Another nasty side effect is the tar that coats the tongue and mouth, leaving a lingering, unpleasant aftertaste.
How could smokers then think of smoking as pleasurable or beneficial if the act itself is revolting? The answer lies in the relief of withdrawal pangs. These withdrawal pangs usually pester smokers until they get a chance to smoke. After finishing a cigarette, the smoker will soon experience withdrawal pangs again. After a half an hour or so, some more smoking follows to relieve those nagging nicotine withdrawal pangs.
The brutal truth is that smokers have a distorted sense of pleasure when it comes to smoking. The perceived pleasure they think they’re getting is actually the brain’s way of masking the fact that they are drug addicts living and breathing for that next nicotine fix. And who wants to label themself as a drug addict if they smoke? Absolutely no one I know.
The Push and Pull of Quitting
Wanting to quit smoking is like trying to leave a party you’re still having fun at. You know it’s late, but you also know that you have responsibilities tomorrow. What keeps you from leaving is the good music and the drinks that are flowing. So how do you start walking toward the door?
One approach is to become genuinely curious. What do you enjoy most about it? Is it the break it gives you? The camaraderie with other smokers? Finding the reason behind the pleasure can help you disarm the hold smoking has over you and to find substitutes that scratch the same itch without the smoke and toxins.
Examples of Substitutes That are Genuinely Helpful and Pleasurable
Substituting the ritual of smoking can assist you in managing the emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking. Having a replacement activity ready can help you prevent relapse.
Smoking as a Social Ritual:
Many smokers tie smoking to social situations. They love taking a smoke break with colleagues or socializing at a bar. Instead of focusing on smoking, concentrate on the conversation and focus on enjoying the social interactions without smoking.
Smoking as a Post-Meal “Reward”:
Many smokers enjoy a feeling of satisfaction by smoking after a meal. This is learned behavior because completing a meal provides genuine satisfaction and not the act of smoking after a meal. The “reward” is the temporary alleviation of withdrawal symptoms. Instead of smoking after a meal, focus on the genuine satisfaction the completion of a meal provides.
Smoking as a Way to Increase Concentration and Focus:
Many smokers believe that nicotine helps them focus. They are also convinced that it improves their concentration. The perceived increase in focus is actually the relief of withdrawal symptoms. The result is that the smoker returns to a baseline level of concentration.
In reality the following alternatives can genuinely increase concentration and focus:
- Taking short breaks – Regular breaks improve focus.
- Staying hydrated – Dehydration can impair brain function.
- Getting enough sleep – Adequate sleep is vital for optimal brain function.
Using smoking to alleviate boredom:
Smokers often choose to smoke a cigarette or use a vape when they feel bored. They use smoking as a way to escape boredom. Instead of smoking, choose to take up a hobby or learn a new skill instead of smoking to handle your boredom.
Engaging in fresh new hobbies or enjoying existing ones helps prevent boredom while providing an effective alternative to smoking. Learning and acquiring new skills may also be a great way to eliminate boredom.
Volunteering is also another great way to find that sense of purpose and connection to others instead of enjoying the social ritual of smoking with other smokers.
Exercise is another great way to eliminate boredom. It is also known as one of the greatest ways to improve your health.
Smoking as a Stress Reliever:
Many people believe smoking helps them manage stress. The reality is that smoking actually increases heart rate and blood pressure when lighting up. Smoking contributes to stress in the short term. In the long-term, health damage due to smoking may be a major cause of stress.
Use simple techniques like deep breathing or light exercise to destress instead of smoking a cigarette. Creative hobbies is also a great way to take your mind off problems and stressors.
The Thought, “I want to quit smoking, but I enjoy it” is a Very Common Response When It Comes to Quitting
It’s normal to experience internal conflict when you decide to stop smoking. The conflict between the desire to quit smoking and the enjoyment derived from it is a common struggle.
Quitting is not about losing something. It is about gaining something. It’s about gaining freedom and health along with peace of mind.
Need a Way To Quit Smoking Easily Without Willpower and Struggle?
What if I told you that quitting smoking cigarettes or vapes could be as easy as snapping your fingers? Find out more here.