How can You Help Recovering Addicts Quit Smoking

It can be very traumatic and difficult for addicts to quit smoking. The most trying times are when the addict is going through the recovery period. This is the phase when the craving for nicotine is the strongest and it takes everything that the addict has to keep away from puffing away at a cigarette again at these moments.

How can you be of help to those trying to quit?
An addict who is trying to kick the habit needs all the help that is available. This help does not imply only medical and clinical support but much more than that. They require clinical, moral and emotional support and help to quit and stay quit.

They most important support that an addict needs is to keep up his/her will power strong to keep away from cigarettes. This is more important than you may realize. No treatment will work well unless the addict makes up his/her mind to quit and stay that way. During the initial days when the cravings are very strong, this will power can weaken and may make the addict go back to smoking. You can help an addict by providing this much needed support and guidance. This will help keep them going strong and stick to their resolve of quitting.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is an effective method that is used in treating addictions of all kinds. You can help the addict approach centers which conduct EFT or you can help do it at home if possible.

Controlling Urges with Breathing Exercises

Studies suggest psychological dependence on smoking accounts for 90% and physical dependence accounts for a mere 10%. Training your subconscious mind to give up smoking is therefore the most effective way to quit smoking. Deep breathing is a natural and easy way to calm the senses towards resisting the urge to smoke.

Ex-smokers find it very difficult to manage their withdrawal and recovery symptoms which range from headaches, loneliness, anxiety, etc. Positive self talks and breathing exercises can help smokers manage these symptoms to a great extent.

How do breathing exercises help to control your urges to smoke?
Deep breathing exercises help you to focus and narrows down your thoughts and attention towards your individual goals and commitment. Deep breathing also helps in overcoming stress and anxiety. Breathing exercises can be effective if done in the following ways:

• Exercise to inhale and exhale air
• Sit calm and simply breathe in and out slowly and deeply

Deep breathing is therefore a way of controlling your thoughts towards a positive goal thereby helping you overcome nicotine withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, depression, lack of concentration and irritability.

Control your urges by managing potential triggers like secondhand smoke, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and boredom.