The dangerous effects of smoking are known far and wide across Australia, either by government regulations or through commercial advertisements. So then why are so many struggling to quit this vile habit and be done with it? The answer is simple, the hidden power of the chains of addiction. Whether someone is quitting just by sheer will or through Smokefree Clinic substitutes to cigarette smoking, wellness experts can agree that the process isn’t easy for the most part and exacts a heavy mental toll for those undergoing de-addiction.
11.6 per cent of Australia’s adults take to regular smoking, according to a study conducted in 2019. Although the numbers are significantly better than those in the 1990s, people are still struggling with many smoking an average of 12-13 cigarettes daily. This article, by no means, is meant to bash those who are smoking as a regular pastime but is directed towards those who want to quit this addiction.
Cigarette Smoking: From A Scientific Perspective
The best way to battle addiction is to understand how the brain works and why it seeks out these habits repeatedly. For those who don’t know, it’s dopamine that plays a huge role in all this. The more cigarettes puffed, the more detrimental the effects are to the human body, both physically and psychologically. Keeping aside all the spiritual and non-practical ways, here are some methods that anyone can implement to cut down their smoking addiction:
- Learn About All The Negative Effects Induced By Cigarette Smoking: The best way to prepare oneself for a de-addiction process is to understand how negatively it impacts the wellbeing and the daily activities of addicted patients. Knowing all the facts can help people have a strong foundation during their journey.
- Keep Oneself Busy: An idle brain is a person’s greatest enemy during this process and, if left unchecked, can lead to slip-ups. So make sure to have an entire schedule planned out to keep oneself busy. The more the activities done for the day, the less are the chances for the brain to find its way back to the original thought process.
- Be Consistent: Discipline matters a lot, and being consistent can lead to monumental gains in the long run. During the de-addiction process, the brain rewires itself to its old state, but it needs time to complete the process. Nobody can quit addiction in a day, and for some, it may take months to years, depending upon the level of addiction.
- Seek Expert Help: Sometimes, the battle may be hard for some individuals to cope with alone. The best way is to sign up for a rehab where they will help the patient find mental strength, and many clinics across Australia even offer nicotine replacement therapy like Smokefree Clinic substitutes to cigarette smoking.
- Accountability: For those who are pressed for money, seeking out a partner who is in the same battle helps a lot. Opening up to family members, friends or spouses can prove to be beneficial, and there are plenty of support groups too that offer help either online or locally.
- Other Methods: Doctors recommend taking up physical activities to cope with the strain involved in the process. People can also try e-cigarettes and cut down eventually, but that works too for those looking to go cold turkey!
Addiction is really powerful, and it cannot be overcome in just a day. The key is to be disciplined and consistent throughout the whole process and say no to urges whenever they pop up. Remember, de-addiction is a journey and a lifestyle, not a milestone.