Quitting cigarettes is, inarguably, one of the best decisions you will make in your entire life, but the process of weaning yourself off these little sticks of death is not easy whatsoever. After a while, your body becomes so accustomed to nicotine that, once you sever all ties to that drug, you will begin to feel physically and psychologically-drained. Insomnia, restlessness, sluggishness, irritability, anger, and jitters are just a few of the many unpleasant symptoms you will face during this time. On that note, you may have wondered if there are any methods you can use to cope with this problem. Let’s take a closer look at some viable options for you.
Painful Moments
Although withdrawal from nicotine is not life-threatening (unlike the case with alcohol), you have to understand that you will go through some discomfort and, in some cases, pain. While we are happy to tell you that this pain is typically short-lived; some victims will undergo prolonged incidences of sleeplessness and cravings. If you endure withdrawal that lasts for an extended period of time, though, you need to speak with your doctor immediately.
Methods for Coping
If you are having a hard time quitting cigarette use, here are a few tips you can use to cope:
- Quit Journal: If you are suffering from a tirade of negative thoughts, just get rid of these unpleasantries by recording them in a journal. List reasons why you decided to quit cigarettes in the first place and vent your frustrations.
- Water: Without water, our bodies cannot function properly. Drink plenty of H2O to replenish your supply of energy and to alleviate unpleasant symptoms like dehydration, constipation, food cravings, and urges to smoke.
- Exercise: Working out can trigger a flood of benefits for your tired body. Try starting out with a walk before escalating into a full-blown routine of running, weightlifting, or aerobics. Perhaps you would even like to try dancing or martial arts to learn self-control and discipline.
- Pampering Yourself: If anything, create new rewards to replace cigarettes. Whenever you have accomplished something new or have overcome a craving successfully, be kind to yourself.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
