Smoke Gets in Your Eyes -- a Relapse Story

Anyone who has lost a quit to the false belief that they could smoke one or two cigarettes and not get hooked after quitting will identify with the story I've highlighted in today's Monday Message.

I'd like to introduce you to AdellLee, a member of the support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation. In her account, AdellLee shares the lessons she's learned from her smoking relapse that will help her succeed with cessation this time around.

Thank you for sharing your story, AdellLee - it will help others understand better how relapse can happen and assist them in avoiding one themselves.

Remember:

There is no such thing as just one cigarette... ever. They travel in packs.

• How to Avoid a Smoking Relapse

_{Photo © AdellLee}

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Take The Quit Smoking Monday Pledge

Healthy Monday encourages us to think of every Monday as a day that we can begin work anew on goals that we have for ourselves. If you're still smoking, put your cigarettes down and get started on your quit program today.

• Quit Smoking Monday Messages Archive

We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your life by choosing Monday as the day to start and reinforce your quit program.

You can quit smoking ... and we're here to help you, one simple Monday at a time.

_{Image © healthymonday.org}

Nicotine continues to be one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the United States, even with ever-increasing awareness of the dangers. Worldwide, tobacco kills a person every 8 seconds.

Nicotine creates dependency through chemical reactions in the brain. Understanding that nicotine is a physical addiction, not just a "bad habit" is key. Recovery from nicotine addiction involves education and a good support system for the person quitting.

More Reading:

• Overcoming Nicotine Addiction

• Recovery From Nicotine Addiction: Myths vs. Facts

It's a common misconception that cigar smoking is less dangerous than cigarette smoking. The truth is, the toxins in cigar smoke are every bit as abundant and damaging as those in cigarette smoke. All forms of tobacco have risks associated with them, and cigars are no different. Don't be fooled. There is no such thing as a risk-free tobacco product!

More:

• Are Cigars Addictive?

• The Dangers of Cigar Smoking

• 6 Fast Facts about Cigar Smoking

_{Image: Photoxpert}

Why am I Craving a Cigarette Three Months into Quitting?

An About.com Smoking Cessation reader asks:

"I quit smoking cold turkey almost three months ago. I've had my ups and downs in that time, but feel like I've been making progress overall. However, in the last week or so, I've been thinking about smoking so much and it's getting worse. I know the nicotine is long gone from my body, but I swear I'm having cravings for a cigarette that feel just like nicotine withdrawal. Why is this happening to me, and will I always feel this way?"

The three month mark is a notoriously bad time for quitters. The rush, or excitement of quitting has worn off, but we haven't yet completed the healing process from nicotine addiction. We're still thinking about smoking, and most of us are still feeling the urge to smoke now and then. It can leave a person feeling edgy and sad. We wonder if we'll always be doomed to feel this way.

More Reading:

• The Icky Threes

• Three Months Along -- Kay's Story

• The First Three Smoke-Free Months -- A Personal Account