Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical found in cigarettes, takes the lead as most common chemical dependence in the United States. Research has found nicotine to be as addictive as heroin, cocaine and alcohol. Your body feels the strain during quitting smoking as it adjusts to lack of nicotine. This leaves you feeling anxious, moody and less able to concentrate.

 

While it seems hopeless at times to overcome the withdrawal, don’t let these facts stop you from trying to quit, no matter how many times you’ve tried and failed. Because studies show that smokers who seek help like a support group or counselor are more successful at quitting for good.

 

Chances of long term quitting are even better when paired with medication that lessens your cravings, like nicotine patches, gums or lozenges. Using a nicotine patch can give you a little bit of the chemical your body is craving without the dozens of other harmful chemicals in cigarettes. You can buy these aids over the counter in-stores, or online. Click here for some of my recommendations.

 

There’s no better time than today to commit to a new life as a non-smoker. Within one year’s time you can :

  • sign up for health insurance as a non-smoker and get lower rates
  • Go on a vacation with the $1,500 to $2,000 you’ll save as a non-smoker.
  • Quit missing out on life because you are chained to smoking.

You have the power to make a change, and there are endless resources and people that want to help you get there.

Download IFQ’s 8 Steps to Quit Smoking Action Plan and if it makes sense, JOIN our private Facebook support group, where people share their struggles and success as they quit alongside you. Read about my personal struggle to quit smoking after 20 years, and how empowered I feel now that I can say “I finally quit.” You can read my story in my book, “I Finally Quit …And So Can You: How to Gain Everything by Quitting.”