Sever the Ties: Recovering from Tobacco Addiction through De-addiction Counselling

Tobacco is one of the most often abused substances in the world. Quite addictive, tobacco usage is estimated to cause 1.35 million deaths each year in India alone. This puts tobacco at the top of preventable mortality.

Nicotine is the primary addictive ingredient in tobacco. It produces an adrenaline rush when absorbed into the bloodstream or breathed through cigarette smoke. Nicotine also raises dopamine levels. This is also referred to as the brain's “happy” chemical. 

Tobacco use is more difficult to conceal than other addictions. This is largely because tobacco is legal, widely available, and may be consumed in public.

How can I avoid the temptation to smoke while I'm bored?

When you are bored and do not know what to do, you may feel like smoking a few. However, following these tips can help you curb the urge to smoke.

• Plan more activities than you have time for
• Make a list of things to do when confronted with free time
• Move! Do not stay in the same place too long
• If you feel bored, distract yourself with a book, magazine or puzzle
• Look at and listen to what is going on around you
• Carry something to keep you busy
• Listen to a favourite song
• Go outdoors, if you can, but stay away from places you associate with smoking

How can I begin the day without smoking? 

Many smokers smoke immediately after waking up. A smoker's nicotine level lowers after 6 to 8 hours of sleep, requiring a nicotine boost to start the day. To stop turning to cigarettes the first thing in the morning, here are some tips:

• Plan a different wake-up routine to divert your attention from smoking.
• Be sure no cigarettes are available. Instead, keep a bowl of nuts in locations where you previously kept your cigarettes. This way, you automatically have a healthy alternative at hand, instead of cigarettes.
• Before you go to sleep, make a list of things you need to avoid in the morning that will make you want to smoke. Place this list where you used to place your cigarettes.
• Begin each day with a planned activity that will keep your mind and body busy for an hour or more and distract you from thinking about smoking.
• Begin each day with deep breathing and drinking water.

Withdrawal symptoms of tobacco

If you have stopped abusing tobacco, here are the withdrawal symptoms that you commonly experience:

• Depressed mood
• Insomnia
• Irritability, frustration, anger
• Anxiety
• Craving and difficulty in concentration
• Restlessness
• Decreased heart rate
• Increased appetite or weight gain

How to Free from Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco addiction is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible and de-addiction counselling for tobacco cessation will help greatly. The ultimate goal of de-addiction counselling is to assist people in their journey to recovery and help clients lead a better, substance-free lifestyle.

What is De-addiction Counselling? 

De-addiction counselling, often known as substance abuse counselling, focuses on helping individuals overcome their addiction to substances (such as drugs or alcohol) or addictive behaviours (such as gambling or overeating). 

De-addiction counselling focuses on the physical, psychological and social components of addiction. A de-addiction counsellor helps clients understand the underlying causes of their drug or behavioural dependence, develop coping mechanisms, and work toward achieving freedom from the substance/drug. 

Counselling for addiction by experts includes determining the type and severity of the addiction, what motivated the individual to change and what treatment strategy can be adopted to help the individual break free from addiction.

Benefits of Addiction Counselling

• Controlling Cravings and Triggers
• Access to Support Systems
• Enhanced Well-Being
• Aids Long-Term Recovery
• Reduction of Harm

Quit Tobacco Use Today - Self-help Guides 

Links

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ 

https://www.careinsurance.com/blog/health-insurance-articles/ways-to-know-how-to-quit-smoking 

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/deciding-to-quit-smoking-and-making-a-plan.html 

Book

How To Quit Smoking: Self-Healing Guide To Detoxify Your Body by Trang Mirjah	Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr	A Journey to Quit by Mary Beth McSweeney