Smoking Cessation TherapyAltamonte Springs, FL

Understanding Smoking Cessation

The process of quitting smoking is called smoking cessation. While many people want to quit smoking, successfully quitting can be difficult to do “cold turkey.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 55.1% of adult smokers attempted to quit smoking in 2018, with 7.5% quitting successfully.

Nicotine, the main addictive drug in cigarettes, is responsible for making smoking cessation difficult for many people. Continued smoking causes nicotine to change the way the brain works. As the brain gets used to nicotine, people will feel they need to smoke to feel good. Feelings of withdrawal from smoking cessation attempts can cause people to relapse or need multiple attempts to quit smoking. Fortunately, treatment is available to help patients develop the skills and receive the support they need to quit smoking permanently.

Therapy Methods

Therapy can be extremely beneficial for people trying to quit smoking, especially if they have tried before unsuccessfully. It can provide people with the additional support and guidance they need to cease smoking for good. This is possible as people receive the tools and learn the coping methods they need to reduce their desire to smoke. Possible therapeutic methods to quit smoking may include nicotine replacement treatment or behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT).

Nicotine replacement treatment temporarily replaces nicotine from cigarettes with nicotine gum, lozenges, inhalers, patches, or oral sprays to reduce the motivation to smoke. CBT allows patients to identify and change negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that trigger the desire to smoke. Understanding what triggers the desire to smoke gives people the ability to avoid them by changing their daily routines or substituting activities in place of smoking. CBT can also help combat the negative emotions or feelings accompanying smoking cessation, such as withdrawal symptoms. The number of sessions and duration of treatment will vary for each patient depending on their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does nicotine withdrawal feel?

People experiencing nicotine withdrawal may have physical, emotional, or mental symptoms. The first week of smoking cessation is typically the most difficult as it is when the nicotine is clearing from the body. Our team can provide patients with treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.

Why is nicotine addictive?

Nicotine is addictive because it releases the chemical dopamine into the brain. The release of dopamine reinforces the brain to repeat smoking to experience positive feelings. The increase of endorphins in the brain’s reward circuits results in a brief euphoric feeling.

How can smoking cause lung cancer?

According to the CDC, smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. When people inhale cigarette smoke, the carcinogens damage the cells that line the lungs. While the body may repair the damage at first, continued exposure can increasingly damage the lungs until the cells act abnormally, resulting in cancer.

What if I have tried quitting smoking in the past and failed?

It is never too late to quit smoking. It is not uncommon for people to make at least two to three smoking cessation attempts before succeeding. Smoking cessation treatment can help people quit for good and stay on track.

What if the people around me continue to smoke after I have quit?

People who have stopped smoking should tell their family, friends, and co-workers around them. Support from the people around you can significantly help your smoking cessation. Do not hesitate to ask those around you not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out in the open.