December 31, 1995
Web posted at: 11:25 p.m. EST
From Correspondent Andrew Holtz
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- The desire is there -- the vast majority of cigarette smokers say they'd like to quit. It's fair to say an even higher percentage of their friends and family wish they would.
But too often, the healthy intentions of smokers who try to quit collides head-on with the craving for nicotine.
"The drug is highly addictive, says Sandy Davis of the Nicotine Withdrawal Clinic of Atlanta. "It's a psychological addiction, and it's a very powerful physical addiction." (153K AIFF sound or 153K WAV sound)
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually pass in a week or so. Some people quit "cold turkey," while others get a prescription of nicotine patches from a doctor. The patches decrease doses of nicotine steadily, weaning the smoker from the physical craving for nicotine. Nicotine gum serves the same purpose.
But smoking is more than just chemistry -- the psychological chains also must be broken.
In support groups, ex-smokers can bolster each other's resolve. There are also motivational audio tapes. And some smokers try hypnosis.
It also helps to throw out old habits and routines along with the cigarettes. If a smoke usually goes with a meal, eat in a different place to alter the environment. Keep busy -- but go to places that don't allow smoking. Avoid alcohol, coffee, or other drinks that you may associate with smoking. And occupy your hands and mouth with something other than a cigarette.
Go to the dentist to clean tobacco stains from your teeth, and brush them often to enjoy a clean-mouth taste. Buy fresh flowers to help drive away the smoky odor at home. Watch your diet. Drink a glass of water before meals, and snack on low- calorie foods.
Celebrate milestones -- a week, a month -- since quitting. Count up the money you've saved by not buying tobacco.
And the experts say don't despair if you slip...as long as you try again.
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