by Rene Michael Browne

Created on: September 21, 2010

It is not easy to quit smoking. In fact, it is one of the hardest habits to break. Many people have successfully done it. Then there are others who just do not want to quit. Everyone knows by now cigarette smoking causes cancer, lung disease and all sorts of other illnesses.  Nevertheless, people continue to smoke and  have a variety of excuses why they don’t want to quit.

Like to smoke

Most smokers will not admit they like to smoke. Instead, some will say “Oh, it is just a habit, I can quit at any time”. But there is something about smoking which is relaxing and makes people feel good. For some smokers it is the  feel of the cigarette in their hand.  Others enjoy inhaling and exhaling the smoke. Still others like the way they look when smoking. Whatever the reason, there are people who never plan to stop smoking cigarettes. Something will have to  happen  to change how they feel about cigarettes to get them to stop smoking.

Smoking Becomes a Habit 

Many smokers smoke when they really don’t want a cigarette. They find themselves wanting a cigarette as soon as they wake up in the morning. Often after a meal, smokers just have to have a puff.  Of course, there is the before going to bed smoke. Over time, most smokers know when and what triggers the desire for a cigarette. Hard as people may try they cannot stop themselves from following the smoking routine day in and day out. As a result, cigarette smoking can quickly become an  addictive habit. 

Don’t Want to Gain Weight

There has always been a rumor that smokers gain weight when they quit smoking. For this reason, there are people who will not quit. The rumor is true. There are several side effects which contribute to the weight gain. The side effects are triggered when the body no longer is given nicotine. Nicotine is an appetite suppressor and smokers can burn up to 200 calories a day just by smoking. When you quit smoking your metabolism slows down and you burn fewer calories. At the same time, blood sugar levels drop and cravings for sugary foods occur as the body tries to boost these levels. In addition, food becomes a replacement for cigarettes, instead of smoking people eat or drink. All of these side effects eventually lessen and most people are able to loss the five to ten extra pounds.

Fear of Withdrawal Symptoms 

Most smokers have tried to quit smoking at least once. Those who failed did so because they were not ready to quit. The withdrawal symptoms experienced during the first few weeks after you quit smoking can be extremely overwhelming. Some common withdrawal symptoms are aches and pains, light-headedness, decrease in blood sugar levels , unable to concentrate,  nausea, restlessness and mood swings . Smokers who are prepared to handle the negative side effects go back to smoking for relief. The withdrawal symptoms are not life threatening and can be managed. Knowing what side effects you may encounter and having a remedy is the only way to be able to successfully quit smoking for good.

Cigarettes are harmful but still there are people who smoke. Why these people don't want to quit is difficult to understand. Some will admit they like to smoke. Most don’t realize they can’t quit because they are addicted to smoking cigarettes. Some have the will power to quit but won’t because they don’t what to gain a few extra pounds. Nevertheless, most smokers have tried to quit at least once. The successful ones really  wanted to quit and were ready to quit. It takes a commitment to you to do whatever it takes to manage the withdrawal symptoms to become a non-smoker.

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