At some point in your life, you have probably met someone who successfully stopped smoking cigarettes, only to return to smoking a few years after recovery. For people who are struggling to overcome an attachment to nicotine, stories like this can be terrifying. After all, the ultimate goal of rehab is to purge a drug and to help a person regain his or her health, so how in the world can a relapse happen after such a long time? What you might not know is that relapse is not a random occurrence but, instead, can take a long time to develop. With the right mindset, though, this can easily be avoided. Let’s take a closer look at why successful ex-smokers return to smoking after several years.
Why Do People Smoke Again?
Whenever you give up something wonderful, you naturally feel a bit lousy. However, while this is a natural part of being human, it is not always helpful or beneficial to our health. Although people may have abstained from smoking cigarettes for years and years, this longing for something wonderful (i.e. nicotine) can result in a desperate urge to smoke again, particularly when these men and women are stressed. Still, have you thought about how your life will change for the worst when you make this decision to return to your poison?
How to Quit Smoking…Permanently
So, how can you prevent relapsing and just stay away from smoking for good? Here are two strategies you can utilize to your benefit:
- Education: Each of us is fully aware that cigarettes are completely dangerous to your health and wellbeing, but, in order to quit smoking, current addicts need to understand exactly how damaging the poisons in these little sticks of death can be.
- Change That Mindset: Remember, keeping up a good attitude is one of the most important steps toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Keep track of those random, nasty thoughts by recording each one in a journal. On the other hand, you can also take martial arts, yoga, dance, or other classes that will help you find discipline and balance.
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.
