by Neil Dixon

Created on: December 29, 2008

The new year is just around the corner and for many people this signifies the time of year to take stock of their lives and plan the changes they are going to make in the following twelve months. Smokers make up the majority of the population who partake in making new years resolutions. The smoker will see the new year as a good time to kick their addiction, but without proper planning and careful consideration, the idea of kicking the habit will rarely hold out past January 1st.

Smoking is one of the most addictive bad habits there is. When a smoker decides to stop, they will have to suffer firstly the physical withdrawal which will take around 2 days. Then after the poisons have left the body, the real battle commences.

Any smoker will tell you that the mental side of the addiction is harder to beat than the physical withdrawal. Smokers are habitual people that will smoke at regular times and regular situations. The now ex-smoker will be battling with their mind for the next couple of weeks as they face situations that normally coincide with a smoke.

Some smokers like to have their first cigarette when they get up in the morning and will find it very hard to break the habit of that first cigarette with their morning coffee. Others will enjoy a smoke when they are in the pub with their friends and will try to avoid going out through fear of their willpower failing them. Whatever the occasion is that a smoker really enjoys or needs to have a cigarette will haunt them for the coming weeks and only the strongest will get through this constant battle of mind over matter.

The addict that has decided it is a good idea to stop smoking at new year must be 100 percent sure that they want to stop smoking, even the smallest doubt will open up like the grand canyon' in the coming days as the cold turkey' really bites.

Stopping smoking is not something that should be done on a whim or on an occasion that traditions herald. Mental preparation is paramount if someone is going to succeed in kicking the habit. If a smoker has their heart set on stopping when the clock chimes midnight on the 31st December they must prepare in the days leading up to the big event.

Ensure your thoughts are totally committed to stopping smoking. Think of the benefits that being smoke free will give, and how much more healthy you will be. The money you will save from not buying those over priced cigarettes will be another great benefit.

Once mentally prepared you may consider stocking up on chewing gum or sweets that will keep you occupied as your body expels the poisons. For some reason eating sweets or chewing gum offers comfort as you wrestle with the demons that cigarettes plant inside your body. Look into purchasing products that help you get through the withdrawal period, patches and lozenges are among many nicotine replacement therapies that will take the edge off the withdrawal period. Seek advice from the NHS stop smoking service. This free service offers support and advice for smokers who need help to kick the habit. Trained operators can be reached on 0800 022 4332 or alternatively you can visit the website www.smokefree.nhs.uk which has a wealth of information and guidance.

Smoking is a very hard habit to stop and should you fail this time, don't give up. It can take smokers several attempts before they finally manage to beat the addiction. Many will beat the addiction at the first time of asking, and there is nothing to say that this cannot be you. With determination and willpower you can and will rid yourself of the cigarettes forever. Take it one day at a time and keep an unerring belief that you can do this once and for all.

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