$Unique_ID{BRK00889}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Something Available to Help "Hard Core" Smokers Quit?}
$Subject{quit smoking stopping tips Community Social behavior behaviors smoke
smoker smokers withdrawal signs restlessness concentrate concentrating sleep
disturbances hostility nicotine craving gum Nicorette}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf
Indirect Problems Caused by Smoking*0007302.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Something Available to Help "Hard Core" Smokers Quit?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I have tried repeatedly to stop smoking, using every gimmick and
technique available.  I desperately want to quit because I believe it kills
people.  (How I wish I had never started!)  I can not believe there is not
something available to help "hard core" smokers overcome that incredible
craving?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Actually you are already well on your way.  Successful treatment can
occur when the individual understands that there is a real risk from
continuing to smoke, there is a value to stopping and that it IS possible to
quit.  While the initial action of quitting is hard enough to take, it is
harder still to maintain that abstinence over the long haul necessary to rid
your self of the habit.  There are many deep seated reasons for smoking,
social, psychological and pharmacological, all of which must be addressed in
your hopes of quitting are to be successful.  That means that you need more
than just a magic pill to quit, and require the ongoing advice and help from
your family physician or counselor.  You will learn of skills that can help
you deal with stress, resist the many stimuli in your environment that prompt
smoking, and overcome some of the withdrawal signs and symptoms that do occur.
They include restlessness, inability to concentrate, sleep disturbances,
feelings of hostility and nicotine craving, that seems to be your chief
problem.  In addition to behavioral techniques, many people profit from the
use of nicotine gum (Nicorette) in their comprehensive smoke cessation
program.  Each piece of gum contains 2 mg of nicotine, and from 8 to 10 pieces
should be used each day.  Heavy smokers who have signs of physical dependence
are excellent candidates for this type of treatment, and it may be the answer
you are seeking.  You can obtain much more information by writing to the
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Smoking Education Program, National
Institutes of Health, Bldg. 31, Room 4A-18, Dept. A-1, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Your efforts will have tremendous health benefits for you, if you strive for
and achieve your goal.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.