Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits

September 4, 2015

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: Life has a lot to offer after addiction recovery

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits because quitting is possible irrespective of how deep you may have sunk into smoking

Life has a lot to offer after addiction recovery. This is not just a statement of invitation to treat but a statement loaded with lots of facts for your health. One chilly morning someone knocked on my office door and when I allowed him in, he handed to me a piece of paper soaked by the dew from the cold weather. The writing on the paper was simple and direct. It stated that “enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits.” After reading the message the bearer asked as I looked on “is it true doctor?” “I use my cigarette in cold weather like this to feel worm and high how will I protect myself from the cold without smoking?” up to we were still standing right in my office, the I offered him a seat so that we can have a heart to heart discussion about his concerns. This is what many people go through despite the available help and solutions around them. From the story of this gentleman we want to share with you some of the concerns that lingers on smokers minds and end up denying the plenty of enjoyable things life has to offer. As we progress into the discussion, if you are out there are you are struggling with all sorts of addiction, you can talk to us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is an addiction solution health facility which was established by doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) to meet the needs of all people across the globe that are in one way or the other are struggling with addiction. Questions like how can I resist the urge of smoking when doing the things you like often come up and we are going to sample some of those questions and respond to them progressively.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m having coffee or tea?

In many instances smokers will have the pleasure of taking their favorite beverages while smoking their substances. This is often very common that one would easily mistake it to be an accompaniment for the drink. Therefore if this describes your situation, it is important to note that your favorite beverage may act as a trigger to smoke when you finally quit. With that in mind careful attention must be taken to have this urge properly managed and the following are some of the applicable tips you can employ in dealing with the urge:

Inform your colleagues of your quitting so that if for example drinking coffee or tea was your favorite, they won’t offer you a cigarette as an accompaniment.
While enjoying your drink (coffee), take deep breaths between the sips to inhale the aroma. Breathe in deeply and slowly while you count to five, and then breathe out slowly, counting to five again.
Try switching to decaffeinated coffee or tea for a while, particularly if quitting has made you irritable or nervous.
Keep your hands busy by nibbling on healthy foods, doodling, or making a list of tasks for the day.
If the urge to smoke is very strong, drink your coffee or tea more quickly than usual and then change activities or location.
When you quit smoking, drinking coffee or tea without smoking may make you feel sad in that case focus on what you’ve gained by quitting.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I enjoy a meal without smoking?

Doctor Akoury is reporting hat food normally tastes better after quitting smoking, and due to that your appetite may suddenly become much bigger than usual. With this experience it will not surprise anyone if the urge to smoke comes immediately after meals. This desire to smoke after meals may depend on whether you are alone or in the company of other smokers or with nonsmokers. And remember that your urge to smoke may be stronger with certain foods, such as spicy or sweet foods. Besides that the urge to smoke may be stronger even at different meal times. Therefore for proper management of that the following tips can be helpful:

It is important that you are aware of the kind of foods stuff that increases your urge to smoke and make effort of staying away from them.
Always try to have company every time you are eating and therefore if you are alone, invite a friend or take a walk as soon as you’ve finished eating.
Brush your teeth or use mouthwash right after meals.
If you have coffee or a fruit drink, concentrate on the taste.
Wash the dishes by hand after eating this will keep you from smoking since you can’t smoke with wet hands!
Eat at smoke-free restaurants.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m drinking an alcoholic beverage?

Many smokers often smoke when enjoying their favorite drinks like beer, wine, liquor, or mixed drinks and in the process associate the good feelings with those beverages. It is important to note that up on quitting smoking, you may feel a strong urge to smoke when you drink alcohol. Therefore keep this in mind up front if you are going out for a drink. Nonetheless if you do drink, keep in mind that your control over your behavior may be impaired under the influence of alcohol. When you try to quit smoking, drinking alcohol may make it even tougher to cope and the following hints will be very helpful for you in the first few weeks after quitting:

Many people find it helpful to reduce or avoid drinking alcohol.
Switch to nonalcoholic drinks.
If you do drink, don’t choose the alcoholic beverages you usually have when smoking.
Don’t drink at home or by yourself.
Stay away from the places you usually drink alcohol, or drink only with nonsmoking friends.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m feeling bored?

When you quit smoking, you may miss the increased excitement and good feeling that nicotine gave you. This may be particularly true when you are feeling bored. Experts say that management of boredom is very important for smokers who have just quitted. To help you in the management of boredom the following hints can be very useful:

Plan more activities than you have time for.
Make a list of things to do when confronted with free time.
Move! Do not stay in the same place too long.
If you feel very bored when waiting for something or someone (a bus, your friend, your kids), distract yourself with a book, magazine, or crossword puzzle.
Look at and listen to what is going on around you.
Carry something to keep your hands busy.
Listen to a favorite song.
Go outdoors, if you can, but not to places you associate with smoking.

Finally keeping sobriety after quitting will definitely be an uphill task and you will certainly need help along the way. If you ever need help do not hesitate to call doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center for professional help immediately today.

Enjoy life by quitting your smoking habits: Life has a lot to offer after addiction recovery

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances

September 4, 2015

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances: When the obstacles of quitting are so enormous

I have made a decision to quit and I’m now resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances.

The way people get introduced into cigarette smoking is often very easy and luring. Ignorantly or willfully both the young and the old who are now addicts to these substances started small from a friend and progressively graduated to irresistible addiction. Even though the best solution to this kind of addiction is quitting, it is important to appreciate that this will not come in a silver platter. Somebody will have to work for it by resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances as and when they come. It will not be easy however we have real time addiction experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD). Doctor Akoury is also the founder of this facility whose primary objective is to bring hope to the hopeless drug addicts from our societies. Therefore as we progress into the discussion, you have any concerns relating to any kind of addiction, then this is the right place for you. You may therefore want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of your treatment that will restore back your health and life all in just a couple of weeks and at a very pocket friendly rates.

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m around smokers?

You may want to analyze situations in which watching others smoke triggers an urge in you to smoke. Figure out what it is about those situations that makes you want to smoke. Is it because you associate feeling happy with being around other smokers? Or, is there something special about the situations, such as being around the people you usually smoked with? Is it tempting to join others for routine smoke breaks?

Here are some tips:

Limit your contact with smokers, especially in the early weeks of quitting.
Do not buy, carry, light, or hold cigarettes for others.
If you are in a group and others light up, excuse yourself, and don’t return until they have finished.
Do not let people smoke in your home. Post a small “No Smoking” sign by your front door.
Ask others to help you stay quit. Give them specific examples of things that are helpful (such as not smoking around you) and things that are not helpful (like asking you to buy cigarettes for them).
Focus on what you’ve gained by quitting. For example, think of how healthy you will be when all smoking effects are gone from your body and you can call yourself smoke-free. Also, add up how much money you have saved already by not purchasing cigarettes and imagine (in detail) how you will spend your savings in 6 months.

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances: How can I start the day without smoking?

Many smokers light up a cigarette right after they wake up. After 6 to 8 hours of sleep, a smoker’s nicotine level drops and the smoker needs a boost of nicotine to start the day. After you quit, you must be ready to overcome the physical need and routine of waking up and smoking a cigarette. Instead of reaching for your cigarettes in the morning, here are some tips:

The morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. Plan a different wake-up routine, and divert your attention from smoking.
Be sure no cigarettes are available.
Before you go to sleep, make a list of things you need to avoid in the morning that will make you want to smoke. Place this list where you used to place your cigarettes.
Begin each day with a planned activity that will keep you busy for an hour or more. It will keep your mind and body busy so you don’t think about smoking.
Begin each day with deep breathing and by drinking one or more glasses of water.

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m feeling stressed?

Most smokers report that one reason they smoke is to handle stress. This happens because smoking cigarettes actually relieves some of your stress by releasing powerful chemicals in your brain. Temporary changes in brain chemistry cause you to experience decreased anxiety, enhanced pleasure, and alert relaxation. Once you stop smoking, you may become more aware of stress.

Everyday worries, responsibilities, and hassles can all contribute to stress. As you go longer without smoking, you will get better at handling stress, especially if you learn stress reduction and relaxation techniques.

Here are some tips:

Know the causes of stress in your life (your job, traffic, your children, money) and identify the stress signals (headaches, nervousness, or trouble sleeping). Once you pinpoint high-risk trigger situations, you can start to develop new ways to handle them.
Create peaceful times in your everyday schedule. For example, set aside an hour where you can get away from other people and your usual environment.
Try relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation or yoga, and stick with the one that works best for you.
Rehearse and visualize your relaxation plan. Put your plan into action. Change your plan as needed.
You may find it helpful to read a book about how to handle stress.

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances: How can I resist the urge to smoke when I’m driving or riding in a car?

You may have become used to smoking while driving—to relax in a traffic jam or to stay alert on a long drive. Like many smokers, you may like to light up when driving to and from work to relieve stress, stay alert, relax, or just pass the time. There is some evidence that smoking actually does make you feel more awake and alert.

Tips for short trips:
Remove the ashtray, lighter, and cigarettes from your car.
Keep nonfattening snacks in your car (such as licorice, sugarless gum, and hard candy).
Turn on your favorite music and sing along.
Take an alternate route to work or try carpooling.
Clean your car and make sure to use deodorizers to reduce the tobacco smell.
Tell yourself:
- “This urge will go away in a few minutes.”
- “So, I’m not enjoying this car ride. Big deal! It won’t last forever!”
- “My car smells clean and fresh!”
- “I’m a better driver now that I’m not smoking while driving.”

When you are driving or riding with other people:

Ask passengers not to smoke in your car.
If you’re not driving, find something to do with your hands.

Your desire to smoke may be stronger and more frequent on longer trips. Doctor Akoury says that you may want to apply the following tips for long trips:

Take a stretch break along the way.
Take fresh fruit along.
Plan rest stops.
Plan stops for water or fruit juice and always ensure that you consult with professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center from time to time for safety.

Resisting the urge of smoking in all circumstances: When the obstacles of quitting are so enormous

What will you become after quitting smoking

September 4, 2015

What will you become after quitting smoking: A non-smoker or an ex-smoker?

What will you become after quitting smoking? You will certainly regain your health and become more resistant to some of these complications that are associated with smoking.

What will you become after quitting smoking is full of great expectations and many at times our expectations often fail to materialize and we feel disappointed. While some of these “disappointments” are expected since the journey of recovery is never a smooth one, it normally doesn’t erase those expectations we once had. Therefore for a better understanding of this topic of discussion, we employ the expert services of professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is an addiction treatment facility that was founded by doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) a well-respected addiction experts of more than two decades now. Together with her team of experts, she is going to help us understand more about this for a couple of articles that we are going to be posting on this platform. Doctor Akoury says that in order to appreciate what you will become after quitting smoking, it is first very important that we understand how to handle withdrawal symptoms and trigger when one decides to quit smoking in its entirely. And to do that, let us progress into the discussion by responding to the following questions:

What will you become after quitting smoking: Withdrawal symptoms which are associated with quitting smoking?

Like I had mentioned before, when one desires to start the journey of quitting smoking, such a person must be very committed, dedicated and make certain sacrifices because it will not be a smooth sailing. Being addictive the challenges will be many and difficult depending on the intensity and duration of usage. Therefore doctor Akoury registers that quitting smoking may cause certain short-term problems, especially for those who have smoked heavily for many years. These temporary changes can result in withdrawal symptoms and the following are some of the common withdrawal symptoms which are associated with quitting cigarette smoking:

Nicotine cravings (nicotine is the substance in tobacco that causes addiction).
Anger, frustration, and irritability.
Anxiety
Depression
Weight gain.

Cigarette and smoking of other substance is something which has been under serious and intensive studies for a very long time now. From the various studies conducted professionally, it has been established that about half of the population of smokers report experiencing at least four withdrawal symptoms (such as anger, anxiety, or depression) when they quit. Besides these, other people have also reported other symptoms like dizziness, increased dreaming, and headaches. These are just but a few of the challenges that you are likely to meet from time to time. However doctor Akoury says that the good news is that there is much one can do to reduce cravings and manage common withdrawal symptoms. She adds that in the process of recovery even without medication, it is important to note that the withdrawal symptoms and other problems will often subside over time. It may also help to know that withdrawal symptoms are usually worst during the first week after quitting. From that point on, the intensity usually drops over the few weeks. However having said that, it is also very important to appreciate the diversity of people in responding to treatment, for sure everyone is different and unique meaning that some people may have withdrawal symptoms for several months after quitting and not just for a few weeks.

What will you become after quitting smoking: What are some of the triggers for smoking?

In addition to nicotine cravings, reminders in your daily life of times when you used to smoke may trigger you to smoke. Triggers many include different elements including the moods, feelings, places, or things you do in your daily life that turn on your desire to smoke. The following is a sample of some triggers that you need to be careful about:

Being around and hung out with smokers.
Starting the day.
Feeling stressed.
Being in a car.
Drinking coffee or tea.
Enjoying a meal.
Drinking an alcoholic beverage.
Feeling bored.

Knowing your triggers helps you stay in control because you can choose to avoid them or keep your mind distracted and busy when you cannot avoid them.

What will you become after quitting smoking: What can I do about nicotine cravings?

As a smoker, you get used to having a certain level of nicotine in your body. You can bring to control that level of nicotine by how much quantity of cigarette you smoke, how deeply you inhale the smoke, and the kind (or brand) of tobacco you use. Therefore when you quit, cravings develop the moment your body begins demanding for the missing units of nicotine since the body system is no longer getting the supply as it used to. Ordinarily this will take some time to break free from nicotine addiction and during this duration, a lot of determination and patient will be highly required of you. Also, when you see people smoking or are around other triggers, you may get nicotine cravings. Cravings are real. They are not just in your imagination. At the same time, your mood may change, and your heart rate and blood pressure may go up as well.

The urge to smoke will come and go. Cravings usually last only a very brief period of time. Cravings usually begin within an hour or two after you have your last cigarette, peak for several days, and may last several weeks. As the days pass, the cravings will get farther apart. Occasional mild cravings may last for 6 months. Finally the following are some tips you can apply in the management of cravings:

Always remind yourself that they will pass.
Keep distance and avoid situations and activities that you used to associate with smoking.
As a substitute for smoking, try chewing on carrots, pickles, apples, celery, sugarless gum, or hard candy. Keeping your mouth busy may stop the psychological need to smoke.
Try taking simple exercises like for instance you may take a deep breath through your nose and blow out slowly through your mouth. Do this repeated at least 10 times daily or whenever you crave for the stick.
Always consult with your doctor about nicotine replacement products or other medications. This is very important because in order to defeat all these challenges, professional input from the doctors will be very necessary and if you have no one to consult you can schedule foe an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today and she will be of great help to you.

What will you become after quitting smoking: A non-smoker or an ex-smoker?

What are your reasons for quitting smoking

August 31, 2015

What are your reasons for quitting smoking: Do you have a quitting plan?

What are your reasons for quitting smoking? If you start listing the consequences of cigarette smoking the list will be endless.

For this question (what are your reasons for quitting smoking?) to come in your mind, two things must have happen. One you must have been smoking in the past and second the consequences of smoking must be wearing you down and you want to start on a new sheet of life. Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are well trained to help you go through this worthy course if only you can schedule for an appointment with them on any given day. In the meantime what is bothering is why should you quit smoking? And that we want to equally ask you that do you have a quitting plan? This is what we want to help you understand even as we engage the services of doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert who is also the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Doctor Akoury is of the opinion that every smoker has his or her own personal reasons for quitting. Such reasons may include the medically proven reasons or social concerns or both. To roll out the discussion the following are some of the most common reasons and you are at liberty to think about what is most important to you:

For your health! – According to the Surgeon General, quitting smoking is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of his or her life. It is important to note that as soon as you quit, immediately your body begins to repair the damage caused by smoking. Ideally it’s best to quit in the early stages of your smoking life but even if this is not so, it doesn’t mean that those who delays in quitting will not have the benefits. The common denominator about this is quitting meaning that irrespective of when one quits, there will be still great improvement of one’s life and health in general.

To save money! – Because of it health effects different authorities are taxing this product severely as a way of controlling its consumption. Cigarette smoking is therefore becoming more expensive each financial year. In some States, a pack of cigarettes can cost up to $10.00. But that not with-standing, even if a pack costs half that ($5.00) in your neighborhood, smoking one pack per day adds up to $1,825.00 annually. That is money that could be channeled to other much healthy and productive activities.

To save the aggravation! – Because of legislations aimed at controlling the usage of cigarette, smoking is continually becoming less convenient. Such laws being passed include clean indoor air laws that make it illegal to smoke in public places like bars, restaurants and other public places. Are you tired of having to go outside many times a day to have a cigarette? Is standing in the cold and the rain really worth having that cigarette? Wouldn’t it be easier if you had the choice to go outside only when you want to and not when you need to? Think about those they could be very good reasons for you to quit smoking.

Second hand smoking! – Cigarette smoke is harmful to everyone who inhales it, not just the smoker. Whether you’re young or old and in good health or bad, secondhand smoke is dangerous and can make you sick. Children who live with smokers get more chest colds and ear infections while babies born to mothers who smoke have an increased risk of premature delivery, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Clean and air-rated environment! – Ex-smokers don’t have the scent of smoke on their clothes and hair, and their houses don’t smell like cigarettes. Better breathing can mean better sleep at your house: Not only are smokers more likely to snore, so are non-smokers who breathe secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Life is just better as a nonsmoker! Smoking interferes with your sense of taste, so food tastes better when you quit. Your sense of smell also improves, so get ready to really enjoy the scent of flowers or fresh-cut grass. You’ll be able to make it through a long movie or an airplane flight without craving a cigarette. Within a few weeks after quitting, your smoker’s cough will disappear and you’ll have more energy.

What are your reasons for quitting smoking: Workplace wellness?

Lung diseases are among the most common and costly of all health problems. Many potential causes of lung disease can be found in the workplace, but with the proper measures can be easily controlled, creating safer and healthier working conditions for all employees.

There are several organizations that offer’s many resources to help employers adopt and implement workplace policies that support a healthy work environment while providing health education resources to support lung health. Doctor Akoury says that making the decision to focus on improving air quality indoors, providing resources for employees who smoke or are living with a chronic lung disease will curb rising health care costs, help employees adopt healthier lifestyles, and lower the risk of developing costly chronic diseases. It is therefore very important that as an employer you should ensure the safety of your employees at their work stations. The following highlights can be of help to you in determining how lung-friendly is your firm for your workforce?

Are chemicals and allergens controlled to ensure the safety of employees while at work?
Is work-related asthma documented in order to identify trends and address problems in specific industries?
Is your workplace smoke free?
Does employee health insurance coverage include a comprehensive plan to ensure access to healthcare services, medications and supplies that keep symptoms under control, while also offering smoking cessation support?

If you’re the above highlights point to you and you have done little or nothing to contain such situations, them it is high time that you re-evaluate your position as an employer towards creating a healthy environment for your personnel.

What are your reasons for quitting smoking: What employers can do?

Create a safe and healthy workplace. You can consult with experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury to show you how. Upon scheduling for an appointment with her, she will take you through the guide to safe and healthy workplaces toolkit which will among other important things includes policy recommendations for addressing lung health in the workplace, along with the implementation strategies, tools and information that can support your efforts. I encourage you to take this seriously so that together we can bring to manageable levels all the complications that come with cigarette smoking in all age groups.

Tag Archives: Smoking cessation Substance dependance