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Nicotine Addiction: Counseling and Group therapy, Lifestyle Changes and Home Solutions

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Counseling and Group therapy

Prescription medications are not sufficient in thwarting nicotine addiction. Often counseling and behavior therapy are needed to tackle the symptoms of nicotine addiction. Counseling helps in strengthening the support system of smokers who wish to quit smoking. It is essential for smokers to have a trained counselor and to have a good rapport with them.

Some of the popular forms of counseling are mentioned below:

Over the phone:
Most helplines are operational 24×7. Get free advice during trying and difficult circumstances. The two popular helplines in the United States include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society’s Quitline.

Individual and group therapy:
Group therapy is an effective way of counseling. For individual sessions you might have to take the services of a tobacco treatment specialist. Counseling helps in reiterating the self confidence and self esteem of smokers. Most hospitals, employers, and health care plans have tobacco treatment programs and certified specialists that can help in the fight against tobacco addiction. Nicotine Anonymous is one such group that helps smokers in their fight against nicotine.

Self-help blogs:
Nicotine addiction effectsThere are umpteen blogs that provide resources and information for fighting nicotine addiction. Some of the blogs offer messaging services and reminders for smokers.

Remember that the fight against tobacco is not easy. Most smokers have to tackle the problem of relapse. Therefore, set the goal of getting rid of smoking permanently. You will need high resilience to quit the habit of smoking.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Solutions

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be acute for many. Prescription medications help reduce some of these symptoms. To effective tackle all symptoms, a comprehensive plan is needed.

Withdrawal symptoms last for many weeks. However, they are at their peak during the first week after quitting. With the help of medications most symptoms disappear within a month. However, the urge to smoke continues for a long time. Some factors are responsible for these cravings.

Some of the ways to tackle withdrawal symptoms are mentioned below:

Regular exercise:
Exercise has been proven to be highly effective in combating tobacco addiction. It also helps in handling weight gain related to smoking cessation.

Nullify cravings:
Cravings for tobacco products lasts for an average time of five minutes. Hence, spend this time by doing some household work or having a healthy snack. Indulge in a hobby or go for a brisk walk.

Think rationally:
There should be no compromise on your part. You must not give in to the urges for a cigarette puff. Though an occasional smoke may have no adverse physical outcomes, it can send your plan for a toss. Therefore, rationalize and review your long-term goals. Positive thinking is helpful to reduce cravings.

Get support:
Go back to your support system if feelings of depression and anxiety persist. Get proper encouragement by talking to dear ones or a counselor.

Avoid risky situations:
Certain triggers are universal for smokers. Hence, avoid them as well as people and places that provide the temptation for smoking.

Have realistic goals:
Do not overburden your schedule. Avoid stress by indulging in a hobby or taking time off.

Balanced diet:
Have a balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables. Also, drink plenty of water.


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