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It’s Never O.K. to Quit – Except When Smoking
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Monday, March 05, 2012
Jenna Spivak
Online Communications and
Social Media Coordinator
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I recently met up with one of my friends for lunch, and as we sat outside on an unusually warm March day she asked me if she could smoke a cigarette. “But – I thought you quit?!” I managed to stammer out. I honestly don’t understand why people smoke with all the research and studies showing that it leads to painful, debilitating and life-taking diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and COPD. I don’t want to come off as judgmental, but I’ve seen what smoking can do to a loved one’s health. She told me that she tried quitting cold turkey, but she couldn’t even last a week. I asked her why she didn’t try using ‘the patch,’ gum or other nicotine replacements. She said that after reading a New York Times article (found here), she didn’t think that they were effective.
I read the article and found it a bit misleading. What? Really? I’ve written about their effectiveness before – how could this be? So to help my friend, and get the full story, I spoke to Dr. Andrew Kolodny, Chair of Psychiatry and expert in treating addiction.
Just skimming the headline, “Nicotine Gum and Skin Patch Face New Doubt,” you might also believe that these products don’t work. However, that’s not what the study proves. The study shows that these products make it easier for people to quit, however, they don’t prevent relapse in the long run. “Once a person is addicted to a drug and tries to quit, they are prone to relapse,” Dr. Kolodny explained. “It doesn’t matter if they were slowly detoxed or quit abruptly, they will still be at risk for falling back into the habit.”
The article walks a fine line, but the coverage of the study makes it seem like nicotine replacement therapy isn’t any better than quitting cold turkey. “It’s irresponsible,” said Dr. Kolodny. “Many people who try to quit cold turkey fail and become frustrated. Nicotine patches are one of the most effective methods to help people stop smoking.” He emphasized that how people manage to quit has very little to do with whether or not they relapse. What’s more important is being motivated to quit and learning strategies to help maintain abstinence.
Dr. Kolodny recommends that after using the nicotine replacement therapy of your choice, you need to understand what your triggers for relapse may be. Common triggers include stress as well as other drug use, such alcohol or marijuana. Another tip is to be aware of the people, places and things that may tempt you to relapse (a common pillar of 12 step programs). Have friends that smoke? Tell them you’re trying to quit and ask them to refrain from smoking around you – it may even give them the necessary kick in the pants to quit themselves.
So, instead of our usual coffee date (for her, coffee and cigarettes seem to go hand-in-hand) – we’re going rock climbing. This way we’ll have fun, de-stress, and get some exercise. And perhaps we’ll stop by the pharmacy to check out some nicotine replacements. I’ve heard Nicorette gum has some new flavors – fruit chill and cinnamon surge. |
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Sunday, March 18, 2012 by Maria
the good news is that i now have been quit for over 5 years.. i quit trying to quit alone, and jneiod a support group.. i attend nicotine anonymous meetings both locally and on line.. on line voice meetings are he as close as your computer, and you can attend while still smoking, before actually attempting a quit.. however you decide to quit good luck, there is simply no wrong way to quit!!Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine.
Monday, March 05, 2012 by Jenna Spivak
To Anonymous,
Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations on quitting and being so very close to the 1 year mark. I’m always so impressed when people can overcome obstacles such as this in their lives.
I don’t judge my friend, or any smoker, when they light up or relapse. I was simply shocked when my friend started smoking again because I could tell she felt helpless, and I was worried she was misinformed. The point of this post is to give support to smokers and show that there are tools out there to help them quit, just like you did.
Monday, March 05, 2012 by Minerva
As I slowly watched my father's life deteriorate from colon cancer the hardest thing to watch was him reaching for a cigarette that wasn't there because he couldn't light up in his hospital bed. In a semi-conscious state he would mimic the routine of bringing a cig towards his mouth. Towards the last month of his life he gave up fighting because everything tasted funny and he couldn't sleep without his cigarettes. When you quit its as much for your family as it is for you! We love you all the more for trying!
Monday, March 05, 2012 by Anonymous
No one should every judge anyone for Smoking. Useless you walked a mile in a smoker’s shoes you will NEVER understand. I was a smoker for 28 years. I quit on March 12, 2011 it to date was the hardest thing I have ever done. Upon coming to my one year smoke free I reflected back to the first few days, weeks. It was so hard; you really must change everything you do. Habit will be your worse enemy.
People who have never smoked will never understand what it takes to stop, SO PLEASE DONT PREACH.
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