by OldManBurns

Created on: August 20, 2009

How I Stopped Smoking

Beginning smoking was one of the most stupid decisions I have ever made - and I have made plenty! I started like most people do, in an effort to become well-liked among my peer group as a teenager. Fifteen years later I think I've finally managed to kick the habit for good. I still get the occasional urge when I've had a few drinks though... but I can fight it now. Here's how I quit.

Realise that smoking is actually slow suicide.

The first thing you have to realise about the actual act of smoking is that no matter which way you dress it up you are knowledgeably and wilfully inhaling the extremely powerful and addictive stimulant nicotine, as well as carbon monoxide, thousands of chemicals and around fifty carcinogens (that cause cancer). There is no way in this day and age that the modern smoker is ignorant of the damage they are doing to themselves every time they smoke. As soon as I recognised this for myself I realised that in truth I saw myself as some sort of tragic literary figure. Which was nonsense I was pathetic!

Understand that it really isn't cool or tough. It's sad. And it stinks.

This second realisation was that the picture of me thoughtfully drawing out a lungful of smoke and slowly realising it into a bar full of people looking at me thinking 'Oh, he looks cool' was utter rubbish. Especially when the smoking ban in public places was introduced in the UK. Somehow hiding from the rain under some form of shelter while you're freezing to death doesn't cut it in the sexy stakes.

And have you ever kissed a smoker sober? You may as well lick an ashtray! When you are honest with yourself smoking is messy, stinky, a fire hazard and is slowly killing you. Stopping is hard because your body is addicted and your view of yourself needs to change from within. If you are not willing to change how you see yourself you will never be able to be free of a cigarettes control of your life.

Payback might be extremely painful and drawn out.

Long after your days of being wild and full of fun have finished reality sets in. You body starts to slow down, you put on weight and the body doesn't work as well as it used to. You suddenly realise that you aren't invincible any more. It doesn't matter when you are in relative good health though. However, as soon as cancer comes calling, or emphysema, tuberculosis, heart disease or any number of slow, painful killers take hold of your health you are in for a world of hurt.

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