by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: March 19, 2009

Everyone knows that it's bad for your health to smoke. This isn't new information yet millions of people stick steadfastly to the habit. Teenagers and young adults don't seem to be deterred by the health issue or the cost associated with buying cigarettes either. Many people begin the bad habit very early on.

People who have never smoked a single cigarette in their lives can't understand how difficult it is to drop the habit. Those that have overcome their addiction to the smelly, little sticks will go on for hours to a smoker about how much better it feels to be smoke-free. People that still smoke nod their heads in agreement and say things like "Yes, I really should quit". In most cases they are only saying that hoping that the other person will stop preaching to them.

Why is there so much difficulty in quitting such a nasty habit? You would think it wasn't that hard, unless you are a smoker who has been lighting up for the last 10 to 30 years. Here are some of the hardships that smokers face when attempting nip it in the bud:

Nicotine

Nicotine is very highly addictive. This wasn't always known by the general public and the cigarette companies used that to their advantage. When trying to quit smoking, a person will go through certain withdrawal symptoms which can include such things as crying, nervousness, irritability and an overwhelming urge to smoke.

Though most of these symptoms will pass if you wait just a few minutes, it can overtake your senses and nearly force you to give in. There are nicotine patches and gums to help you withdraw from the addiction, however, these often come with their own side affects. Wearing a nicotine patch can cause night sweats and nightmares beyond anyone's imagination. For these reasons, people will often forgo the use of such devices.

Weight Gain

You are more likely to gain weight when you quit smoking because you will try to keep your mouth and hands busy. Food is the likely thing that people will turn to for comfort when they are trying to quit smoking. Unfortunately, the food that is chosen is usually some type of junk food such as chocolate or potato chips that are bad for your health and will make you gain unwanted pounds.

Keeping it Busy

Smoking isn't addictive simply because of the nicotine. It keeps a smokers hands busy. Smokers often light up even when they don't have the urge to smoke. This happens when they get bored or are riding in the car. When trying to stop smoking, they find they have nothing to do with their hands. A person who is trying to quit will find that they greatly miss having something in their hands. In fact, they will often find themselves reaching for a cigarette even when they don't have any available.

The Want to Must Exist

As with everything in life, we don't do things that we don't want to do unless we are forced to. Smokers have to want to stop. You can tell them all day long of the dangers involved in smoking. You can point out the fact that they are huffing and puffing from walking up the stairs and it won't change a thing. There has to be a deep desire to put down the pack. Without that, all other points a mute.

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