If you've ever smoked and tried to quit, you know it's a challenge.
The urge to continue can be very strong, and there are a number of reasons for that: Brain chemistry
- Nicotine is a powerful drug that affects mood, focus and thinking.
- In just 7 seconds, a puff of nicotine begins to calm a smoker's brain. The brain gets used to hundreds of nicotine 'hits' each day - and may have trouble calming down without them. Behavioural conditioning
- Smoking is driven by stimulus-response behaviour; for example, the smell of a cigarette or a cup of coffee can automatically produce a strong urge to smoke.
- A lot of smoking is done automatically, without us really thinking about it. Psychology
- Smokers often feel they need a cigarette to feel right or to think clearly.
- People with a family history of depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder or other conditions may have a harder time stopping smoking. Social Aspects
- Smoking is a social ritual for many people, shared with family, friends or co-workers. When other people light up, it often feels natural to join them.
Links: Quit Now www.Quitnow.ca
