Common Frustrations Felt When It Comes To Quitting Smoking (Part 2)

By Phil Conran

“I'm coughing more now that I've quit than I was when I was smoking. What's going on?”

The tiny, hair-like structures in your lungs, called cilia, finally get a chance to begin sweeping out the tobacco debris that has accumulated over the years. Until now, the tar in your cigarettes had immobilized them, but now that they are free again, they sweep out the tar causing you to cough more than usual. So, coughing after quitting smoking is a good thing.

“I went out for dinner, had some wine, and took a puff off of my date's cigarette.”

Don't panic, but be aware that taking a puff is a serious matter; the old adage "I'm a puff away from a pack a day" is based upon the fact that many quit attempts end with that one puff. If you stopped with that one puff, great, but for most people, a puff is never going to be enough. Also, avoid alcohol for a while because its effects can allow you to let your guard down long enough for a cigarette to slip in. Politely ask your date to not smoke around you, at least for a couple of weeks or so. And regularly remind yourself that smoking is not an option under any circumstances because you've made the decision to quit.

“Every time I'm on the phone, I want to smoke.”

Keep a pad and some colored pens or pencils by the phone, and doodle with them while you're talking. Try to break the connection between your telephone "environment" and your smoking. For example, move your telephone to a different location in your home and try holding the receiver in the other hand. You might even want to buy a new phone.

“Friends keep offering me cigarettes as a joke.”

Who needs enemies with friends like these? Try telling these folks that you understand that they're not ready to quit themselves, but that you are. Ask them to please support your efforts by taking you seriously. Ask them to tell you some jokes instead. If they continue to be obnoxious, take the cigarettes they're offering you, break them in half, and say, "Thanks, I just saved a few minutes of my life." Another option is to spend your break time or "fun" time with a different group or even by yourself (just for a few days or so).

“My family says I am too grouchy and is begging me to start smoking again.”

This reaction is most common with family members who are uninformed about the process of quitting and the magnitude of the challenge. They don't know that most people who quit get a little irritable and grouchy.

Author Details:
Phil Conran writes for various web sites including information portals such as Simply Top's Free Article Directory, information junkie and the A-Z of.com

Source: The A-Z of Smoking

NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if this note, the author details, source and ALL links remain in place and active.

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