Concerns About Quitting

You might be worried about what will happen when you stop smoking. Being informed and prepared will help you manage these concerns as they happen. Below are some of the common challenges that smokers face and some advice about how you can successfully overcome them. Remember that many other people have quit smoking and so can you!

I'll lose the one thing that helps me cope with the stress in my life.

While it's true you may feel more stressed in the first few days that you quit smoking, you will be surprised by how quickly you'll start to feel better. When you quit smoking your heart rate decreases, you are able to sleep better, and your body uses oxygen more effectively - all of these things help to calm you down. It is also important for you to start thinking about some other activities you could do when you are feeling stressed instead of smoking. You might want to try taking a walk, breathing deeply, talking to a friend, reading a book, or anything else that relaxes you.

If I don't succeed, I'll feel even worse.

It's okay to be afraid that you won't actually be able to quit. Maybe you have tried to quit before and things didn't work out for you. The important thing is that you are trying your best and learning from each experience. Staying positive will help build your confidence. Sometimes it helps to talk to a friend who has already quit smoking who can support you and cheer you on. Having a plan and believing in yourself will also make a huge difference.

I'm going to gain weight if I quit smoking.

Weight gain is a big concern for some female and male smokers. About 20% of smokers don't actually gain any weight when they quit and the average amount of weight gain for those that do is only about 6 lbs. The health benefits of quitting smoking far outweigh any risk associated with such minimal weight gain. Many ex-smokers say that quitting smoking is much harder than losing a few pounds. Be kind to yourself and feel proud about quitting smoking. Feeling good about quitting smoking can help you to lose the extra weight when you are ready.

I am scared that I will not be able to handle the withdrawal.

Withdrawal can be difficult for some smokers but fortunately it doesn't last very long and there are aids available to help you. You might want to use the nicotine patch or gum as part of your quit plan to help you deal with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms usually last less than five days and it is your body's way of returning "back to normal." Read through the quitting tips for more help on how to deal with your cravings.