Smoking cigarettes is an addiction. Smoking allows your body to ingest nicotine, which is the substance found in cigarettes that is addicting. Smoking can seemingly induce relaxation and stress relief. However, smoking can involve withdrawal, tolerance, and health issues, just like any other addiction.

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Using the first step of the 12 step program, you may want to first admit that you are powerless over your addiction. Nicotine use is an addiction. You will find better success if you utilize the same coping tools that you use for your recovery.

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Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement and medications. There are many options available. Nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are an option. There are also several medications that work by reducing your cravings over time.

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Smoking is really a coping tool for stress, excitement, and other emotions. You need to find new ways to celebrate life’s triumphs or cope with stress. Perhaps wrong down alternative ways to handle the ups and downs of life will be useful as you work towards quitting. Consider popping a piece of gum in your mouth during times of stress, or going for a massage when you want to celebrate an accomplishment.

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Exercise and diet actually play a role in recovery from smoking. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and staying active will make smoking seem less and less attractive. Healthy eating and drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps to flush your system of the nicotine and other toxins.

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Find a support system. Nicotine anonymous (NicA) is a 12- step program for people who want to quit smoking. NicA uses the 12 steps and sponsorship to help you stop smoking. NicA encourages you to take your nicotine recovery one day at a time, making your recovery a little simpler than trying to tackle a lifetime of not smoking in one day.

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Make a commitment. Even though recovery from nicotine is challenging, try listing the reasons that you want to stop as motivation to give recovery your all. Perhaps you want to quit for financial, health, or family reasons. Whatever your reasons are, write down your list and keep it in a safe place that you can see on a daily basis. Your list will help remind you of your motivation to quit smoking.

At The Kimberly Center, we understand the challenge of quitting any addiction, whether it be drugs and alcohol, or cigarettes. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, your full recovery is our priority.