Don’t give up on giving up · Issue 835

As the smoking ban gets closer to being enforced in Wales, Health offers some advice to potential non-smokers.

After a big night out, the hangover the next day is not the only thing some people dread. The smell of cigarettes that linger on clothes and hair can also be a problem.

However from April 2, 2007, this is all set to change as it will no longer be legal to smoke in public spaces such as pubs, clubs and restaurants. Smokers will be forced to take their cigarettes outside which is good news for non-smokers. But what does the future hold for those who do indulge themselves.? For some, the ban is seen as the perfect opportunity to quit once and for all. But as most people are aware, getting unhooked is not the easiest thing to do.

So why is quitting such a good idea?

The most obvious reason would be to improve your health. By quitting you should see drastic improvements in breathing and general fitness. It can also reduce the risk smokers face of being diagnosed with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Some experts also believe that smoking can be a factor in infertility, so by giving up, you can increase your chances of having children. Smoking can also effect your tastebuds, so food becomes more enjoyable once you have given up.

As well as being bad for your health, smoking can have a negative impact on your appearance. Ditching the habit can leave skin looking healthier, teeth looking whiter and can reduce the amount of wrinkles. Plus the smell of tobacco will no longer linger.

Smoking is not just bad for the person who does it. People around them can also suffer from poor health. Second-hand smoke can damage almost every organ in the body. Smoking in a car is especially bad because the smoke is contained in a small space. Passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer by 24% and heart disease by 25%.

The first step to stopping is to decide to do it. A good tip is to remember why you first started smoking. Was it peer pressure, or an attempt to look older perhaps? Does it still seem like a good reason? Then consider why it is you want to stop. It can improve your health, appearance and save money in the long run. You will also be helping the health of loved ones.

The next step is to prepare how to stop. Willpower is important but good preparation is vital. The date which you choose to stop has to be carefully considered. It can be a goal to be worked towards when you are not quite ready to stop. It is important to choose a time which is not surrounded by stress.

Temptation is a big part of stopping smoking and not everyone knows how to resist it. Everyone has situations when they most like to smoke, such as after eating, out with friends or even when on a lunch break. By listing the situations and being aware of them, a smoker is better prepared to avoid the temptation. Patches can also help stop the cravings and increase the chances of success. They can be made available on prescriptions for some people so it can be useful to consult a doctor.

Support from family and friends is vital. Some people find it easier to make a pact with a friend to quit together. The NHS provides many expert options to help people while they quit. Advice is available over the phone, and callers can be directed to the support which is right for them, and where the services can be found. Group meetings are also available to provide support to each other and gain advice from professionals.

They recommend that the night before you quit, all cigarettes, matches and lighters are thrown away in an attempt to avoid temptation. Ashtrays can also be a reminder of what they have given up.

Withdrawal symptoms are usually the worst part of the quitting process, but they should only last a few weeks. They are the way your body shows it is becoming used to the change.

It is important to remind yourself everyday why you are doing this, especially when the cravings are becoming too strong. Some people put the money they save in a jar to measure their success. they use it as a goal, to be able to buy themselves a reward to celebrate not smoking. Others use it to buy chewing gum and sweets which can combat the cravings.

If you do give in to temptation, it is not the end of the world and you have not failed. Take the time to decide if stopping smoking is what you really want, and if it is, it is important to start again straight away. Throw away the remaining cigarettes, and remove yourself from temptation. Then set yourself a new challenge, and start the process again.