Tobacco is perhaps the most dangerous yet legal addictive substance. But smokers and cigarette companies often deny that fact. They argue that it is better to smoke cigarettes than to use drugs. The problem is those who smoke usually do some drugs as well. Cigarettes are never a better substitute for harmful psychotropics.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there are estimated 480,000 deaths by smoking-related illnesses (lung cancer, throat cancer, heart disease, esophageal cancer, etc.) The worse fact is that smoking harms your loved ones who decide to stay close with you while inhaling those secondhand smoke.
If those points are not enough to encourage you to stay strong during your nicotine craving, here are three suggestions for you.
Get a Dog
A dog is unlike your human friends. They won’t bring you as much trouble as humans do, yet you can still get the benefits of companionship. Besides, your dog will always be ready in the morning for a walk. Getting out to bathe in sunlight can be a healthy way to distract you from your craving.
And when the ciggies still tempt you, remember not to smoke near your dog because the secondhand smoke can damage their health as well. Assuming that you love your dog (you definitely will), you won’t have the heart to smoke anywhere near them. And eventually, you’ll see that it is better to dedicate your life to live healthily with that fluffy companion of yours.
Eat Some Snacks (The Right Ones)
Don’t replace your nicotine addiction with sugar addiction, though. We don’t recommend that here because that very habit is as harmful as smoking. Sugar is deemed by scientists as the leading cause of obesity, heart disease, and many kinds of cancer. What you can put in your mouth instead are fruits and meat-based snacks. For instance, jerkies are better than gums because meat can give you a satiated feeling that can help you to fight your craving. Protein bars can do the same trick as well. And not only will it reduce your urge to smoke, but it will also make you healthier.
Decrease Your Cigarette Intake Gradually
Heavy smokers know pretty well that breaking their habits all at once won’t do them any goods. At some points, the craving will bite back harder, and the smoking continues. Therefore, try to decrease your cigarette intake one ciggie at a time. If you usually smoke 20 ciggies per day, try to reduce the number to fifteen. It will take a long time for sure, but you can adjust your body while you’re doing it.
Note your progress to remind yourself that you’re on your way to stop. Even one or two ciggie removals per day mean a lot to your development. Give yourself some credits for that!