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T
here are several methods
people use when trying
to stop smoking, from
pills to gum to patches, hypnosis
or even fear. Not all the experts
agree on which method is best,
obviously.
But the experts do agree on one
important thing when it comes
to kicking the nicotine habit: The
person has to want to quit and be
emotionally prepared to do so to
expect success.
“You have to have a plan. Even
if you really want to quit, you
have to plan for it and set a date
certain to quit. Some people do
well by signing a contract com-
mitting them to it, with a support
person co-signing,” said Sara
Shull, a respiratory therapist who
manages the Outpatient Pulmo-
nary Rehab Program for OSF
Healthcare.
Part of the plan, she said, is
deciding ahead of time the steps
to take to avoid triggers — those
things that cause a smoker to
grab a cigarette and lighter, such
as stressful situations or partying
with friends — and what to do
when the urge hits.
“And keep reflecting on the
reasons you are quitting and
what your goals are. So much of
it is emotional and mental that
the physical part is often the easi-
est, or maybe the least difficult.
You have to want it and decide to
do it,” Shull said.
Lanell Tjaden-Huber, a re-
spiratory therapist at OSF Saint
Francis Medical Center, said it’s
also important to find things
to replace the euphoric feel-
ing smokers get from nicotine.
The best option is exercise as it
replaces the endorphins, espe-
cially for those who quit smoking
without any aids.
“Many people say doing it cold
turkey is the best way because
it gets the nicotine out of your
system more quickly. But that is
difficult and a person who quits
cold turkey really has to want to
quit,” said Tjaden-Huber, whose
patients are people who have
already contracted pulmonary
problems — many from years
and years of smoking.
“People enjoy smoking. It gives
them pleasure, even when they
can’t breathe any more. Breathing
isn’t enough of an incentive for
some of them to quit, I guess. For
others, it is. I know one woman
who tells herself at least once a
day, ‘it’s breath or death.’ That
works for her. But it’s all about
personal choices,” she said.
The Present
‘It’s Breath or Death’
When trying to quit smoking, experts agree desire to quit is the biggest factor for success
By Paul Gordon
26
thePeorian.com