Dental Implant Surgeons Urge Costa Mesa Residents to Quit Smoking with 13 Top Tips, PART 3

Welcome to the third installment of this five-part article series on the top tips for successfully kicking a smoking habit. Previously, in Part 2, we spoke to some dental implant surgeons in Costa Mesa about their advice to those who are trying to quit smoking and the following important tips were explained:

Quit Smoking Tip # 3: Talk to your doctor about prescription medication to aid in the cessation process.

Quit Smoking Tip # 4: Stock up on nicotine gum, patches or lozenges as these will help to soothe the withdrawal symptoms in the days and weeks following quitting.

Quit Smoking Tip # 5: Gather the support of friends, family and co-workers. You should also consider joining a support group where you will find all the empathy and understanding you need to help you in the fight against your smoking addiction.

Let’s now shift our attention to the undoing of the lifestyle triggers that are often the downfall of smokers trying to kick the habit…

Quit Smoking Tip # 6: Find a Way to Deal with Stress

“Stress is a major downfall for people trying to quit, because it is one of the biggest triggers for picking up a cigarette,” says a dental implant surgeon in Costa Mesa. “Moments of stress and aggravated situations often put an ex-smoker’s mettle to the test, because it can become overwhelmingly tempting to just give up and buy a box of smokes. After all, it’s not YOUR fault you were so stressed… you NEEDED a cigarette to feel better. At the end of the day, a part of your journey to overcoming your addiction is learning how to cope with stress without turning to cigarettes for respite.”

Costa Mesa residents in the process of quitting smoking should come up with a list of stress busters that they can turn to when faced with such situations, such as acupuncture, yoga, massages or even just relaxing music. Instead of cigarettes, force yourself to get into your car, drive down to the beach and go for a walk. The craving will subside and you will feel so much better for having had a little exercise and some beautiful fresh sea air.

Quit Smoking Tip # 7: Avoid Traditional Triggers, Such as Alcohol

What are the things that most make you want to have a cigarette? Is it that post-work beer or glass of wine? Is it when you go down to your favorite pub and hang out with friends? Or is it in the morning, when you sit down with your first cup of coffee?

Identify what situations are most conducive to cigarette cravings and, while you are in the beginning stages of trying to quit, avoid those situations. Cut down on drinking alcohol or coffee, and try to avoid your regular hangout spots – bars and coffee shops - because they will have negative associations and triggers attached.

“The worst you’ll deal with is a little anxiety at “missing out,” but you may be too vulnerable in the beginning to be surrounded by all that temptation, especially if the people you hang out with also smoke,” warns a Costa Mesa dentist. “Focus on improving your whole body health during this time, because it will take you away from the old contexts in which you were a smoker. Also, get busy – find things to do during the occasions you would normally be lighting up, such as after a meal.”

Quit Smoking Tip # 8: Purge Your House of Temptation

It’s day # 1, you’ve resolved to quit smoking and now it’s time to clean house! Go through every room of your house, making sure to collect together all of your smoking paraphernalia and throw it away ceremoniously!

“Lighters, ashtrays, boxes of cigarettes… get rid of them completely,” advise dental implant surgeons in Costa Mesa. “And once the solid evidence has been disposed of, give your house a thorough clean to eliminate any residual evidence of smoking, such as washing clothes that might smell of smoke and cleaning the upholstery, carpets and drapes.”

This might seem like a massive undertaking, but it’s also a very cathartic and therapeutic experience that’s symbolic of a whole-life change. You’re eliminating all evidence of ever having been a smoker and not having even a whiff of smoke as a reminder in your life will ensure a greater chance of quitting success.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read more tips and advice from Costa Mesa dental implant surgeons on how to quit smoking, stay tuned for the fourth installment of this five-part article series.