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Health: Chew on this

by Jerrell L. Driver

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
United States

As a prior facilitator for the ACS Fresh Start and ALA Freedom From Smoking groups, I had the opportunity to observe several unique methods. Some successful quitters were assisted by use of herbal licorice (NOT the candy) the herbal is found in, yes, herb shops. There is a physiological basis for chewing on the stuff to help stop your puffing. Deep breathing techniques, when properly taught and PRACTICED, do work. However, most people don't take the time to properly implement them. When getting a 'craving' use "reverse thinking." It works like this ask yourself about the symptom or craving that is causing you inconvieninece at the momemt. "Why am I coughing so much today?" Then come up with a response which links it to having successfully quit smoking. "I'm coughing more today because I QUIT SMOKING." Then make it a positive statement. "QUIT SMOKING! That's good, and it's worth the minor inconvienience of a cough." Finally, and this is the most important part of quitting, remember, "Quitting smoking is the most important thing most people (YES, YOU) can do for their health." Give it the proper priority in life it deserves. Make it the first priority, not just one of many things on a "to do" list. When you give it 'your all' and keep trying if you stumble a couple of times, YOU WILL SUCCEED. A sense of humor helps too, but serious illnesses caused by tobacco use aren't humorous. Jerrell L. Driver, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist, Missouri Health Services Provider