Primo Prevention Is Dedicated to Helping People Quit Tobacco Use

Quitting tobacco is a positive step to a healthier, happier, and more enjoyable life. However, making the commitment to quit using tobacco products for good is easier said than done. Six million people die every year from tobacco-related illnesses, despite their awareness of the short-term and long-term consequences of tobacco use. As a substance abuse and addiction education company, we want to support as many tobacco users as we can in their commitment to quit tobacco so they are successful.

To help you through your recovery process, we have provided a few helpful tips to help both you or someone else quit smoking or the use of smokeless tobacco products.

Pick a Date to Quit Tobacco

Many smokers tell themselves “I will quit tomorrow” or “I need to quit someday” without making a commitment to do so. One of the toughest parts of committing to a tobacco-free life is getting started. Some individuals have found success in gradually decreasing their use of tobacco before quitting altogether, but choosing a date to stop altogether will help you feel more in control of your addiction.

Choosing a date to quit will also allow you to prepare yourself for your recovery. For example, some people choose to get into a new hobby or join a gym before they quit smoking so that they are prepared to distract themselves with healthier alternatives to tobacco.

Identify the Triggers That Cause Your Urges

The addictive substances added into tobacco products make it hard for people to quit. What makes quitting tobacco even harder is having a change in routine. Make a list of when you normally use tobacco and which situations cause those cravings to intensify. These triggers can be emotional, habitual, social, or withdrawal. If you normally smoke while you drink your coffee every morning, for example, you could experience a habitual trigger when you have your morning coffee.

To minimize the urge to smoke, find an alternative to take its place. Instead of having a cigarette with your coffee, plan to have a piece of chocolate or switch to tea. Distractions or a change in your normal routine are good ways to minimize the trigger to start smoking again.

Use Short-Term Alternatives to Minimize the Intensity of Cravings

Beating addiction cravings requires more than sheer willpower. Your brain has grown an unhealthy dependence for a substance, which can be hard to combat “cold turkey.” The nicotine found in tobacco products is highly addictive, and the withdrawals can be intense. Fortunately, there are alternatives besides relapsing.

There are several different types of medications and products that you can use to help with the intense urge to smoke again. Talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional about your alternatives, and set up a short-term use plan to help you through your recovery process.

Avoid Using E-Cigarettes and Other Vaping Devices

Vaping products and e-cigarettes have been marketed as a new way to help people stop smoking. However, it’s important to know that e-cigs and vaping devices have been proven to cause the opposite effect. Rather than using e-cigs to help stop smoking, teens and adults are now becoming addicted to nicotine through the use of e-cigarettes. Common e-cigarette misconceptions have caused smokers to remain addicted to nicotine.

The fruity, sweet scents that vapes provide users might taste better than tobacco, but they are not good for your health either. Along with remaining addicted to nicotine, the side effects of vapes, JUULs, and other e-cigarette devices have also been proven to lead to an increased risk of a heart attack, artery disease, and depression. Before you decide to vape, talk to your doctor about the safer options available to help with nicotine cravings.

Seek Help from Others

Sometimes the assurance that you are not alone in the recovery process can help you stay on the right track. Let your friends and family know that you have quit smoking or using any smokeless tobacco products. However, if none of your friends or family members have quit using tobacco or any other kind of addictive substance, it might be hard for them to relate what you are going through.

Fortunately, there are individuals out there who are going through the same emotions, physicals cravings, and withdrawal symptoms as you. Look for group therapy programs in your area to meet others who are also trying to quit smoking. Support groups provide the support that both you and they need to stay tobacco-free.

At Primo Prevention, we support your decision to quit using tobacco and your journey to a longer, healthier lifestyle. We have healthcare professionals stationed across the country with the handouts and education materials they need to teach others about the importance of breaking away from dangerous and addictive behaviors such as tobacco use. For more information, view our tobacco education materials and other related products in our online store.