Can I Quit Smoking on My Own?

August 1, 2023

Sure you can! You can do anything you set your mind to, though it may be a difficult thing to do. Quitting an addictive habit is hard work and takes determination, but you can do it.

Smoking cigarettes and using other forms of tobacco are two of the most common addictions, so know that you are not alone and that there are other people out there wanting to quit as well.

Our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team wants you and your family members to live healthy lives, so read on to learn more about the negative effects of smoking to hopefully inspire you to take the leap and quit.

Why Is Smoking Addictive?

There are thousands of toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke, and each one has the potential to impact you in a negative way. The most addictive chemical is called nicotine. When inhaled, nicotine sends a signal to your brain to release dopamine, which is the hormone responsible for making you feel happy and satisfied.

Over time, your body will become accustomed to this constant feeling of contentment and will crave it more and more. That’s how an addiction starts! A cigarette craving can be really intense when it hits, so each craving might be a battle in the beginning during your quitting journey. Try focusing intently on something else for the first five to 10 minutes of the craving until it becomes more manageable. Each time you resist the urge, you are one step closer to giving it up for good.

Diseases Caused By Chronic Tobacco Use

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Lung cancer
Heart disease
Emphysema

What’s the Most Reliable Way to Quit Smoking?

Quitting an addictive habit is really a personalized process, so we can’t tell you for sure what will work for you. We do know that finding your motivation for quitting can help a lot! Having someone or something to keep you focused can be the difference between sliding back or quitting for good.

For some people, they do it for the health of themselves and their families. Secondhand smoke has the potential to impact your spouse and kids, even if they never smoke themselves. Quitting for them is one of the most noble things you can do.