Most smokers are well aware of the
health risks
So how do I quit ?
Stopping smoking is hard and
many ex-smokers say that
quitting smoking was the
hardest thing they ever
did. However, millions of
smokers have managed
to quit smoking and any
smoker who really wants
to stop smoking can. The
best way to quit smoking
involves a combination of the
following:
So why do nearly one in every five adults
continue to smoke? And, why are up
to 97% of attempts to quit smoking
unsuccessful?
It is widely acknowledged that it is
the nicotine in cigarette smoke that
keeps smokers hooked. When a smoker
inhales tobacco smoke the nicotine is
rapidly absorbed through the lungs into
the bloodstream, where it is carried directly
to the heart and reaches the brain in a mere
six seconds. In the brain, the nicotine stimulates
a receptor which activates the dopamine ‘reward’
pathway with a massive release of of feel good
hormones.
Nicotine withdrawal is real
To maintain this feeling the smoker needs to smoke
regularly and if they miss a smoke they are effectively
‘punished’ with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a
powerful urge to smoke.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include:
• Anxiety
• Listlessness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Poor concentration
Having a smoke immediately stops these symptoms
and hence the perception that smoking reduces
anxiety when in fact it is nicotine withdrawal that
is causing the anxiety. Nicotine and other addictive
drugs tap into a natural evolutionary mechanism
that ensures that rewarding activities such as eating,
drinking and sexual activity are repeated.
Smokers just like cigarettes
•
•
•
•
• Be willing to stop smoking
Sounds simple but a smoker must want to
quit smoking
Have the right attitude
Believing you can stop smoking is a key step
to successfully quitting
Getting support
Quitting involves coping skills and guidance
so support is essential. Bonitas offers access to
programmes to help you stop smoking through
our Wellness Extender benefit
Changing your behaviour
Know your triggers, maybe you will also need
to lose a few of your smoker friends
Products to help quit smoking and assist with
nicotine withdrawal
Smokers who are serious about improving their
health by stopping smoking should consider using
evidence based tobacco cessation programmes
give them their best chance of success
Although the nicotine in tobacco is the main
culprit for perpetuating the smoking habit, it is
not the only factor supporting smoking behaviour.
Smokers report that they enjoy the sensory and
tactile components of smoking, including the handmouth activity, taste, smell and sensations along
the airways, and if these sensations are removed
smoking satisfaction declines even when nicotine
is replaced to prevent nicotine withdrawal. So, aside
from the powerful nicotine dependence, there
are also sensory-motor cues that form part of this
powerful recipe for smoking addiction.
Page 13Member Magazine 2016 Issue 4
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Bonitas Member Magazine 2016
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