Why Am I So Afraid to Quit Smoking?
A reader asks:
I'm about to quit smoking. I have one cigarette left, and after I smoke it, that's it. Even though I am looking forward to quitting, the most prevalent emotion I feel is fear. Trying to put my fear into words, the thoughts that come to mind are:
- "What the heck am I going to do without my cigarettes? What the heck am I going to do if I can't smoke?!"
Yes, I've picked a date and have a plan for quitting, but the fear is still there. How can I overcome my fear of quitting and become a successful non-smoker?
There isn't a smoker (or ex-smoker) alive who hasn't felt gut-wrenching fear when thinking about stubbing out their last cigarette...the one that signals the beginning of smoking cessation. We worry we'll be miserable without our smokes; that life will be boring; that we'll miss smoking forever. Been there, done that.
The good news is that the fear we have of quitting tobacco is unwarranted. There is life after quitting, and it's better than you can probably imagine if you're still smoking as you read this. Much better.
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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.
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.
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