Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”
Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine and nicotine is the agent in tobacco that’s capable of causing addiction or dependence. However, you can quit once and for all. Here are some suggestions:
- Set a date to quit and stick to it. Choose a “low stress” time to quit
- Enlist the support of your family, friends and co-workers.
- Ask your dentist or physician about nicotine replacement therapy for use in cessation attempts. Using these medicines can double your chances of quitting for good.
- Remove tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia from your home, office and car.
- Seek tobacco-free environments to curb your temptations.
- Exercise. It may make you feel better about yourself and your decision to quit smoking.
- When you crave a tobacco—exercise the 4 D’s:
- Delay—craving will pass in 5–10 minutes
- Drink water—it will help to wash the toxins from your body
- Do something else—distract yourself by being active.
- Deep breathing—deep inhalations and exhalations are relaxing.
Anticipate problems and have a realistic plan to deal with challenges. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or go to www.smokefree.gov for help. If you live in the Sacramento area, you can also go to http://www.sacdhhs.com/article.asp?ContentID=105 to learn more about the local Tobacco Education Program.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
July 6, 2010
