Patched Up!: Passing up that pack of smokes

By Jim Darby, Lead Respiratory Therapist
Roper St. Francis Healthcare

To a smoker, smoking is a way of life. Often, the smoker has no idea how much the habit impacts their life until they quit. Trust me, I know – I’m an ex-smoker. After 34 years of smoking, I quit 12 years ago. Now, I hope to show smokers how they can rid themselves of the control that cigarettes have over their life. You can do this.

It’s true, completely changing your life and kicking the habit can be difficult. Close to 50 percent of Americans who smoke have already attempted to quit. Well, cut yourself some slack – the truth is, it takes a while.

But don’t worry, these tips will get you back to breathing fresh air soon. The smoking cessation classes at Roper St. Francis Healthcare advise quitters to avoid the “cold turkey” method. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Figure out what you want to do. Make a plan. Write it down. Then tell everyone who supports you about it. Picking the day or month will help keep you accountable.

2. Keep your hands busy. More than a craving for the effects of nicotine, it’s also a physical thing. Get one of those squishy stress balls and keep your hands busy so they aren’t tempted to reach for a new cigarette.

3. Drink lots of water, even when you’re not thirsty. You’ll feel full, satisfy the oral craving and replenish your vital organs.

4. Set aside the money you spend on cigarettes and look at it. Literally, look at it. Take out the cash, put it in a glass bowl or vase and watch it pile up. At the end of your set timeframe do something special with it – go see a movie, buy dessert, purchase music.

5. Try new quitting methods. There are several options and if one doesn’t work, try another until you find the one that does: the patch or gum, a prescription prescribed by your doctor, acupuncture or even behavioral therapy/counseling.

6. Take a new break. The physicality of a place can have a profound effect on the brain and our cravings. For example, if you’re used to standing on the back steps in the evening for a smoke, try avoiding that spot. If you usually smoke on the ride home from work, keep the pack out of your car.

If you’re interested in attending a smoking cessation class, RSFH offers them in January, March, May, August and October. Call (843) 402-CARE for more info.

The bottom line is that a habit is a habit and it can be hard to break. Remember to be patient, give yourself a pat on the back and indulge in small rewards along the way. In the end, it’ll be worth it.

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