Picture this: On New Year’s Eve, you resolved to give up smoking once and for all. However, one month into the New Year, your smoking habits haven’t changed much. You’re not sure how to stay true to your resolution so you opt for a method that’s likely to do more harm than good: you decide to quit cold turkey.
In other words, you decide to stop using all tobacco products immediately without any support or medication to help you through the process. How bad could it be? Isn’t it easier to give up smoking once and for all, instead of using nicotine replacement therapy or medication?
While this method may be effective for individuals who aren’t heavy smokers, if you’re trying to fight off a serious addiction then this isn’t the route for you. Here’s why.
You’ll Encounter Withdrawal Symptoms
You aren’t likely to encounter severe health risks if you quit smoking abruptly. However, you are likely to experience certain withdrawal symptoms that can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
When you’ve been using nicotine products for too long, your body becomes very dependent on the substance. Therefore, if you suddenly stop using nicotine then your body goes into a state of withdrawal. You’re likely to experience frequent headaches, digestive issues, restlessness, and cramping. You may also have trouble sleeping and notice a change in your appetite. These withdrawal symptoms are quite unpleasant and can shake your resolve to quit smoking, having the opposite effect of what you wanted.
You Don’t Address the Root Cause
When someone gravitates towards substance use or smoking, it’s usually because of an underlying cause. Many individuals become regular smokers to cope with their personal struggles.
When you choose to quit cold turkey, you get rid of your coping mechanism without addressing the root cause. Quitting cold turkey does not address the physical, psychological, or emotional issues that led you to begin smoking. Thus, you’re likely to fall back into your earlier patterns soon or adopt a different (unhealthy) coping mechanism in its place.
Willpower Alone Isn’t Enough
As inspiring as it is to stay motivated and determined, willpower alone isn’t enough to treat an addiction. The very nature of addiction undermines willpower and affects your decision-making ability.
The chances of you succeeding in quitting cold turkey are extremely low if you rely on your willpower alone without seeking additional support. Proper intervention and treatment can help you battle your nicotine addiction more effectively.
Blossom Hypnosis provides hypnosis sessions in Rochester, NY, to help individuals use subconscious mind healing techniques for smoking cessation. Speak with her via Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime, or in-person in New York.
Get in touch by filling out the contact form here.
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