Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally

August 24, 2015

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Complete de-registration of substance abuse

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally can be very instrumental in eradicating in its entirely all the problens that are associated with drug addiction that causes a lot of harm to this generation.

In management all over the world, good managers do not just spend time for the current running events but also offer a provision for the aftermath of the event. This has been seen to be a serious setback in many organizations if not managed properly. Experts are now confirming that setbacks of failure to properly offer provisions for the aftermath of any event can ruin the success which may have been delivered from the beginning. Just like in the management of a business or an event, it is also very important that when administering treatment to any patient, careful attention must be taken to address any unforeseen eventualities on, during and after treatment. When it comes to the management of drug addiction, identification of the problem and acknowledgement come first then treatment and putting systems that will deal with any complications that may arise after treatment period. Therefore owing to the nature of this problem, we want to explore on the possible intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally so that any treatment done does not disintegrate to further addiction. To take us through this discussion, we are going to relay on the expert opinions of professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is also the founder of the establishment. To start the discussion doctor Akoury says that when it comes to the in all the setbacks that we may have cravings for the substance one was using before treatment is one of the most disturbing one and this is what we want to start with as we progress into the discussion.

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Keep triggers and cravings in check

From the several studies professionally done on this subject, it has been established that in the quest of finding solutions to drug addiction, two problems are seen as the most outstanding obstacles. At the initial stages the first obstacle is that of denial. Many people are living in denial and they are not willing to acknowledge that they have a problem that needs to be fixed. In the process of their denial, the intensity of their addiction to the substances they are abusing increases such that by the time treatment commences, it becomes very difficult to help them owing to the magnitude of the damage done. Besides the hurdles faced at the initial stages, the other technicality comes at the end of the process when the patient is either progressing well with their recovery program or are fully recovered from their addiction. We are addressing the problem of craving for the drug and so doctor Akoury registers her professional opinion that “while getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process.” She says that once sobriety is achieved, the next step is to allow the brain to recover and rebuild connections that have changed while addicted. This is likely to take some time and it is during this time that the drug cravings can be so intense to the point of getting out of hand overwhelmingly. Doctor Akoury gives several measures that an individual can take to contain the situation and she advises that at this point you can support your continued sobriety by making a conscious effort to avoid people, places, and situations that trigger the urge to use as follows:

Seek to find new friends and make a break from old drug friends – For you to see the fruits of your recovery it is important that you don’t make the mistake of hanging out with old friends who are still doing drugs. They will cause you a lot of harm and before you know it you will be back to your old habits. Therefore it is necessary that you surround yourself with people who support your sobriety, not those who tempt and tice you to slip back into old, destructive habits.

Avoid bars and clubs – Alcohol is very addictive and therefore even if you don’t have a problem with alcohol any more, don’t feel that you are strong and can resist the temptation to sip when meeting friends, in other words keep serious distance to social places like bars and clubs where alcoholic beverages are sold. Remember that drinking lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can easily lead to relapse. Drugs are often readily available and the temptation to use can be overpowering. And besides that it is also important that you avoid any other environments and situations that you associate with drug use.

Be up front about your history of drug use when seeking medical treatment – This is very important says doctor Akoury that anytime you are due or you are in need of a medical or dental procedure done on you, be open and discuss freely with your physician all you know about your history and most importantly find a provider who will work with you in either prescribing alternatives or the absolute minimum medication necessary. Take note of this that this is not the time for you to be ashamed or feel humiliated about your previous drug use. The more you open up to your health provider the better help you will get from them. So don’t withhold open up and allow yourself to be helped.

Use caution with prescription drugs – Stay away from prescription drugs with the potential for abuse or use only when necessary and with extreme caution. Drugs with a high abuse potential include painkillers, sleeping pills, and anti-anxiety medication.

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Consistency in sobriety

When you have understood the magnitude of cravings, it then becomes easier for you to pick up the pieces and move on. That is why it is always very necessary that as soon as you are out of the rehabilitation centre, you must always keep in constant consultation with your physician so that when there is any reason of relapse immediate action can be taken to remedy the situation before it deteriorates into more heart breaking situations. And in that regard I want to prevail upon you and beseech you not to relent in your desire to remain sober. Never give up even if you relapse from time to time. Remember that it is not a crime to relapse but how you handle yourself in such situations is what matters most. Therefore always consult with experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center from time to time so that any cropping damage can be arrested and dealt with in good time.

Intelligent ways of containing drug addiction professionally: Complete deregistration of substance abuse

The effects of drugs on clinical depression

July 29, 2015

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Depression and addiction

The effects of drugs on clinical depression is almost getting out of hand in the current life set up.

The complications of drug addiction and misuse of alcohol will continue to be with us thanks to the life demands in the twenty first century. Everybody is having their own share of life demands and expectations which in many times we often fail to meet. Those failures always form the biggest reasons why people feel depressed and stressed. When these two (depression and stress) are present in ones’ life there will be high chances that some of those people may resort to using drugs to minimize their depressed and stressed situation. And with that in mind, we want to discuss through this article the effects of drugs on clinical depression and stress. Our objective is to inform you of their interrelationship and the best possible means of eliminating them from your life. Meanwhile in one of our discussion forums a question was asked to the experts’ at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury that “does depression cause addiction by triggering a need for intoxication? Or does substance abuse cause depression by changing the way the brain functions?” In response to that, doctor Akoury said that it is important to note that depression and substance abuse intertwine on several levels including the following:

Under normal circumstances depression can trigger drug or alcohol use as a form of self-medication.
Drugs or alcohol can also precipitate depression by altering the brain chemistry.
The effects of intoxication or withdrawal can resemble the signs of a depressive disorder.
The neurological factors that cause depression may predispose the individual to alcohol or drug addiction.

One very challenging thing about depression and drugs is that a lot has been and is still being done to conclusively establish the difference between the two but as things stand now, even to the most experienced clinicians, it can be difficult to tell the difference between clinical depression and the effects of drugs or alcohol. Many of the most widely abused substances are central nervous system depressants, including:

Alcohol: Includes beer and wine as well as hard liquor and spirits
Benzodiazepines: Includes sedative/muscle relaxants like Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam)
Cannabis: Includes smokable and edible forms of marijuana
Opiates: Includes illicit and prescription drugs derived from opium, such as heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone
Barbiturates: Includes powerful sedatives like Seconal (secobarbital) and Nembutal (pentobarbital)

From the expert’s point of view, doctor Akoury says that substance induced mood disorders occur when the psychological effects of drug intoxication or withdrawal cause abnormal emotional states. Withdrawing from cocaine, meth or other stimulants can cause changes in brain chemistry that lead to severe depression. Depression may also be a side effect of withdrawal from heroin or other opium-based drugs.

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Symptoms of substance-induced depression

Symptoms of substance-induced depression include: fatigue, poor appetite, lack of concentration, tearfulness, suicidal ideation and they resemble the symptoms of major depressive disorder. And besides that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the symptoms of substance-induced depression usually does not take long and normally resolve within a few days after the drug is cleared from the patient’s system. However when depression is not diagnosed in good time, getting clean or sober can actually make the symptoms worse. Further to that it is important to appreciate that when alcohol or drugs have been used as a form of self-medication, the depressive symptoms may come to the forefront once the individual has been through detox. Nonetheless in the event that depression is treated in a mental health setting without addressing the problem of substance abuse, the patient may never be motivated to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, and depressive symptoms may never really be resolved.

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Treatment of depression

First of all it is important to appreciate that depression is a chronic condition that in many instances may never be completely cured. However, its symptoms can be managed effectively through a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral modification training and participation in support groups. Doctor Akoury adds that in the event that talk therapy alone can’t resolve the symptoms of depression, then the application of antidepressant medication can be a valuable addition to the treatment plan. Besides that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been proven to be a highly effective method for changing the negative thought patterns associated with depression.

Feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth, and despair are treated as learned thought patterns that can be replaced with positive, self-affirming beliefs. According to JAMA Psychiatry, CBT is an effective therapy for depressed individuals within all age groups, and positive results continue over time. The therapeutic strategies learned in CBT can be applied to co-occurring disorders like anxiety, personality disorders or substance use disorders.

Alongside that doctor Akoury alludes that with consistent, medically supervised use, antidepressant medications can improve symptoms in a matter of weeks. Antidepressants in the SSRI category (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that is considered to be in the first line pharmaceutical treatment for depression, these medications include popular drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa). When SSRIs are not effective, older antidepressants in the tricyclic or MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may be prescribed instead. And according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, depressive symptoms improve with treatment in up to 80 percent of cases. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of depressed individuals either do not seek or do not receive treatment for this serious, disabling disorder. Out of those individuals who struggle with both depression and substance abuse, only a small percentage receives research-based, dual diagnosis treatment for both conditions. It therefore means that we still have a lot to do in order to bring these chronic conditions to manageable levels. Finally if you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, depression or even stress, your help is now within reach just by making a phone call on Tel: 843 213 1480 to schedule for your appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center today and all your concerns will be professionally addressed.

The effects of drugs on clinical depression: Depression and addiction

The association of drug addiction and stress

June 24, 2015

The association of drug addiction and stress: Complications of stress and anxiety on substance abuse

The association of drug addiction and stress is that both cause health to deteriorate. The health of your skin can go in no time just because of this association

The complications of stress and anxiety on addiction are wide and disturbing. This is a topic of discussion that we are going to continue making reference to every time we are discussing the complications of addiction from time to time and so I want to invite you to this link and appeal to you to be more consistent because there is going to be a lot in stock for you as we continue with the campaign of creating awareness about the effects of drug addiction to humanity. In that strength we want to look at that wide topic explicitly under the sub topic of the association of drug addiction and stress and how we are affected by that in the current lifestyle we live. Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, it is very evident that where there is stress, there will be depression and possibly anxiety. If these were to find the preexistence of drug abuse in the system, life will become much more frustrating to the victims. Some of the health conditions associated with drug addiction and stress may include heart disease, stroke, cancer and low immunity among many others that we will be discussing progressively in our subsequent articles which you don’t want to miss too. But for now and with the help of doctor Dalal Akoury MD and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, let us interrogate the first four already mentioned.

The association of drug addiction and stress: Heart Disease

This is not going to be the first time we are mentioning something about heart disease because we have done it before however, in this discussion, it is important to appreciate that the full impact of mental stress on heart disease is just coming to light but the underlying mechanisms are not always clear says doctor Akoury. Stress can influence the activity of the heart when it activates the automatic part of the nervous system that affects many organs, including the heart itself. Such actions and others are likely to affect the heart negatively in several ways including some of the following:

Sudden stress increases the pumping action and rate of the heart, while at the same time causing the arteries to constrict (narrow). This restricts blood flow to the heart.
The emotional effects of stress alter the heart rhythms, which could pose a risk for serious arrhythmias (rhythm abnormalities) in people with existing heart rhythm disturbances.
Stress causes the blood to become stickier (possibly in preparation for potential injury).
Stress appears to impair the clearance of fat molecules in the body.
Stress that leads to depression appears to be associated with increased intima-medial thickness, a measure of the arteries that signifies worsening blood vessel disease.
Stress causes the body to release inflammatory markers into the bloodstream. These markers may worsen heart disease or increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Studies have reported an association between stress and high blood pressure, which may be more pronounced in men than in women. According to some evidence, people who regularly experience sudden spikes in blood pressure (caused by mental stress) may, over time, develop injuries to the inner lining of their blood vessels.

Evidence is still needed to confirm any clear-cut relationship between stress and heart disease. However, research has linked stress to heart disease in men, particularly in work situations where they lack control. The association between stress and heart problems in women is weaker, and there is some evidence that the ways in which women cope with stress may be more heart-protective.

A condition called stress cardiomyopathy (or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) is widely recognized. In this disease, intense emotional or physical stress causes severe but reversible heart dysfunction. The patient experiences chest pain, and EKGs and echocardiograms indicate a heart attack, but further tests show no underlying obstructive coronary artery disease.

Psychological stress is also recognized as a possible cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a collection of symptoms that indicate a heart attack or approaching heart attack. High levels of psychological stress are associated with harmful changes to the blood. Research suggests that stress has the potential to trigger ACS, particularly in patients with heart disease. Studies also suggest that the risk is greatest immediately after the stressful incident, rather than during it.

Stress Reduction and Heart Disease. Studies suggest that treatments that reduce psychological distress improve the long-term outlook in people with heart disease, including after a heart attack. Evidence indicates that stress management programs may significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks in people with heart disease. Specific stress management techniques may help some heart problems but not others. For example, acupuncture in one study helped people with heart failure but had no effect on blood pressure. Relaxation methods, on the other hand, may help people with high blood pressure.

The association of drug addiction and stress: Stroke

In some people, prolonged or frequent mental stress causes an exaggerated increase in blood pressure which is a greater risk factor for stroke.

The association of drug addiction and stress: Effect on the Immune System

Chronic stress affects the immune system in complicated ways, and may have various results including:

Susceptibility to Infections – Chronic stress may have an effect on the immune system’s response to infections. Several studies claim that people who are under chronic stress have low white blood cell counts and are more vulnerable to colds. Once a person catches a cold or flu, stress can make symptoms worse. People who carry the herpes virus may be more susceptible to viral activation after they are exposed to stress.

Inflammatory Response – Some evidence suggests that chronic stress triggers an over-production of certain immune factors called cytokines. Such findings may partly explain the association between chronic stress and numerous diseases, including heart disease and asthma.

The association of drug addiction and stress: Cancer

At the moment a distinctive relationship between excess stress and cancer has not been scientifically proven. However, there may be a connection between stress and cancer survival. In one of the studies it was suggested that cancer patients who were separated from their spouses had lower survival rates than married cancer patients. Although stress reduction techniques have no effect on survival rates, studies show that they are very helpful in improving a cancer patient’s quality of life.

Finally even though a lot more needs to be done on some of these conditions, what is very evident is that stress is a serious factor in patients struggling with any form of addiction. And noting the gravity of some of these healthy conditions, one can only make a wish not to be in any association with them. The king of disease we are making reference to are life threatening and very costly to manage. It is therefore very important that we find solutions to these entire problems and that is where AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center comes in. This is facility has the brains to bring quick if not immediate restoration to all matters relating to drug addiction. Up on scheduling for that appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury, she will professionally evaluate your individual conditions and administer real time treatment that will leave you full of life and free from all effects of addiction.

The association of drug addiction and stress: Complications of stress and anxiety on substance abuse

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration

April 27, 2015

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: Dealing with the two problems

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration. Prevention is always better than treatment for cure.

To deal with cancer, you also need to deal with stress. And that makes cancer and stress the worse collaboration in human health. If the two conditions are merged in an individual patient, treatment becomes very difficult. And in fact the way you handle stress can have a huge impact on the way you and your health team manage cancer. It is therefore very important that when you have been diagnosed with cancer, you must be on top of stress by all means and avoid those things, situations and places that are likely to trigger stress. The information about stress is also very important for you. Doctor Akoury says that many patients risk their healing process by allowing stress to take over the control of their lives. This is what we want to eliminate so that you can face the disease (cancer) with a lot of sobriety.

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: What Is Stress?

As we have indicated, the information about stress is very important. So what is stress? It is a normal response to feeling threatened or to facing a challenge you’re not sure you can meet. Stress can be chronic, which means it is long lasting and often gets worse over time. Or it can be acute, coming on quickly with short-lived but often severe symptoms. It is possible that you can have emotional stress, like for instance, the feelings you get when you are faced with financial challenges or the feelings that follow when the reality dons on you that you have a chronic ailment like cancer. Besides the emotional stress, you can also have physical stress. For instance, not getting the adequate sleep you need can make it hard for your body to do what it needs to do during the day causing you to feel tired, fatigue and stressed. An illness can put stress on organs and other parts of your body. And some treatments or medications you take can also cause your body to react in stressful ways.

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: How Might Stress Affect Me?

Emotional stress can be very overwhelmed in an individual’s life. It can trigger the feelings of being helpless in the things you do and what you think about. It can interfere with your sense of well-being and cause you to lose hope that things will improve, and the state of being hopelessness can be very fatal if not addressed in good time. Stress can also lead to depression.

Some people believe stress can play a role in developing cancer. There is, though, very little evidence to show that stress causes cancer in people who don’t already have it. The few studies that have shown a link looked mainly at severe stress. One found that women who lost a spouse through separation, divorce or death had a higher risk for breast cancer. Another showed that people who lived through the Holocaust as children have a higher risk for developing cancer. Even though a lot more needs to be done to authenticate the direct link of stress to cancer, several studies have actually established that those who are already struggling with cancer are very vulnerable and that stress is likely to play a significant role in the way this disease escalates. It is equally important to note that health conditions like trauma, depression and distress have all been linked to more rapid progression.

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: How Does Stress Affect the Way Cancer Progresses?

The effects of stress may stem from how your body responds to it. When you’re stressed, your body makes certain so-called “stress” hormones to deal with it. In many cancer patients, these hormones bind with cancer cells. That can make the cells more invasive and help protect them as they move from one part of the body to another. This makes it easier for the tumor to grow and the cancer to spread. Nonetheless being stressful can also trigger negativity to your immune system which is the body basic defender from external and internal aggression. It has been established that, stress can interferes with the way certain cells in your immune system work. In particular, it affects cells that find and that kill emerging cancer cells.

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: How Can I Protect Myself against the Effects of Stress?

People with better support tend to have better functioning immune systems. They also tend to have lower levels of certain stress hormones. This makes it less likely that stress will cause changes in the way a tumor grows. Some studies also show that people with more support have lower levels of chemicals that promote new cell growth and make tumors more aggressive.

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: How Does Support Work?

Support makes it easier to develop qualities you need to deal with stress. For example, it can help you develop more active coping skills. A strong support network can reduce the effects of stress in several ways including the following:

It can lessen the magnitude of the problem and help you see that event as less stressful. That will lessen your body’s response to it.
It can improve your management levels and how you cope by providing advice, problem solving techniques and resources for help when you need it.
It can help enhance positive health behaviors such as exercise and proper nutrition.
It can provide support that makes it easier to adhere to your medical treatment plan.

A number of recent studies have also shown that, in addition to a support network, there are potential benefits from programs that help you learn how to manage stress. Such programs include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Mindfulness
Yoga
Alternative therapies such as Healing Touch
Medication

It is important to appreciate that such programs can not only help you in dealing with the stress that comes from having cancer, but the stress that can come from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation as well. Therefore cancer and stress must not be allowed to ruin your health. There is always something you can do to be safe. You can talk to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Akoury’s care for professional assistance today by scheduling for an appointment with her.

Cancer and Stress the worse collaboration: Dealing with the two problems

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight

April 22, 2015

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight: How to kick the habit without packing on the pounds

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight include seeking for help, advice and support from the family

You have been in a weight loss class and your instructor noticed that you are smoking. He tells you that smoking is not only harmful to your health but will also rearrange your facial appearance. And because you want to look good you desire to quit is primarily to look good both on the body and on appearance. But wait a minute you missed appoint and you have just remembered, that he also said that while quitting you will gain a little more as a result of losing. This point sends you thinking of the great contradiction. You registered to lose and not to gain, the instructor tells you to quit smoking which is going to work against your desire to lose weight. You are in a dilemma and I totally agree with you. This dilemma is what I want to address in this article. Our focus is going to be on quitting smoking without fear of gaining weight.

We spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury who is a medical doctor specializing on addiction, obesity and weight gain and also the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to help us in unlocking certain all your concerns. Doctor Akoury has been in the medical practice for more than two decades and has help many people deal with their addiction alongside weight gain and yours will not be a problem if only you can schedule for an appointment with her today. Doctor Akoury says that if you are a smoker, the best thing you can do for your health which is the most valuable asset you have is to eliminate and completely kick out the smoking habit from your life.

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight: Smoking and weight gain

Even though cigarette smoking is addictive and difficult to quit, it is not impossible either. The challenges will always be there including the dilemma we are focusing on. Eliminating cigarette smoking often goes hand in hand with weight gain. Is it possible to be both slimmer and smoke-free so long as there is a resolve commitment to do so in the right way with the guidance of professionals? While appreciating the likelihood of gaining some weight when you stop smoking, the gain will not be that threatening as you may passive. Yes it is true that cigarette activates your metabolism and that you will burn about 250 calories because of smoking and quitting will mean that your metabolism rate will slow down leaving you with a pack of 250 calories to deal with resulting in weight gain for many people. Doctor Akoury says that under normal circumstances majority will gain some two pounds on quitting the first time in a few weeks. This is likely to cause a concern to people that what would be the impact in a few month is in just two weeks you add two!

The feeling is mutual in this case however this should not motivate you to go back to smoking to have you metabolism reactivated. Doctor Akoury advices that you need to hung on because the increase will not escalate to unhealthy weight. Your focus should be on the end result not the temporal obstacles. In this case you could compare the benefits of quitting with not quitting and the negligible weight gain and you will be able to see that the gain is a lesser sin. The benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle both inside and out to those few extra pounds means nothing. Take for instance the possibilities of your vital organs like the lungs, heart, and the arteries start repairing themselves almost immediately after the last puff. And not only that, your skin clears up and starts to look smoother, your fingernails stop looking yellow, your breath improves, and your teeth can be bright again. All these less-obvious benefits of smoking will have you looking great, even if you put on a few. If this has convinced you to take the worthy challenge then you can schedule for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for professional assistance. But in the meantime, let us consider the best approach to go about it the whole exercise.

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight: The Right Approach

People will often take the quitting challenge differently with some people just opting to stop by making up their mind and literally disposing off the cigarette. This is fine however experts recommend a systematic approach to be the most effective. Therefore it is important than up on the resolve to quit, you need to set a quite date and prepare for it by setting aside some extra time to start a regular physical activity, like walking. And do your best to bypass the buffets and start eating healthier.

During this time ensure that you make improvement on your diet, make it healthy and this will help in the minimizing weight gain.

Next, start to pinpoint what situations which may trigger the urge to smoke and get ready to deal with them.

The urge for a cigarette tends to be the most pronounced the first few days after quitting for most people. After the fifth day, the number of urges starts to decrease.

While it varies from person to person, the urges will typically continue although less frequently for several weeks or even months. But they are still as annoying as when you first quit, so be prepared to tackle them head-on. With this mechanism in place, you are now ready to quit.

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight: Quitting Time

When it comes time to quit, the following are tips to help you minimize cigarette cravings and weight gain:

Drink more water at least 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This will keep you hydrated, help you feel full, and give you something to do with your hands.
Make smart choices when snacking. Quitting smoking will increase your snacking appetite. While you should avoid substituting food for cigarettes, you should plan healthy snacks, like cut-up veggies, fruit, or almonds or pistachios (in limited amounts.) Try to avoid sugar and unhealthy starches. If you feel you must have sweets, go for sugarless and fat-free ones. But keep in mind that fat-free snacks often have just as many calories due to the added sugar.
When a craving for a cigarette strikes, be prepared. If you want certain snacks around, make sure they’re handy and healthy. Have water around. Take a walk, have a soda. Think these things through so when an urge hits, you are prepared. It’s all about careful planning.
Keep up the physical activity and the healthy eating. This will help you quit smoking as well as trim your waistline, explains Purcell.
Be ready for challenges. You have to have the right mindset and be prepared for challenging times. If you can get through the first two weeks, chances are you’ll make it.
Most importantly, even if the needle on the scale starts to creep upward, don’t reach for that cigarette! Just stick it out and let your metabolism even off. It’s only temporary, and you can address the weight later after you’ve quit.

Quitting Smoking without fear of Gaining Weight: How to kick the habit without packing on the pounds

Tag Archives: Chronic Stress