This article addresses people who are trying to quit smoking. It discusses whether the difficulty to stop smoking is a physical issue or whether it is a psychological issue.
Is it more of a physical thing that is the hindrance whenever you are overcome by the desire to go back to or continue with smoking, or is it more of a psychological thing that is the hindrance?
It is believed that smoking stimulates the flow of "feel good" chemicals in the brain including endorphins. Tobacco has nicotine and it is believed to be addicting. This is commonly understood by many. Nothing new!
So we all probably understand that there is a physical component to hinder a person from quitting; more for some than for others. However, is it really "THE" reason that people can't seem to quit smoking?
Whenever I share my thoughts about people who are falling short of the mark, I always include with it; "There is no condemnation here". Condemnation is not what it is about. At the same time, it is also true, that we must get real and be honest because this is no game. With regard to quitting smoking; yes, there is a physical component but it is important to acknowledge that people quit smoking all the time anyway.
Overcoming the physical component is not rocket science, in my opinion. There are many aids and medical assistance available to help with that. Getting cleaned out may not be easy for some, but so many people have done it, so it can be done. Also, one of the characteristics of someone who has successfully quit smoking is that they are willing to experience the discomfort of withdrawal in anticipation of the reward. It is a delaying of satisfaction instead of getting instant gratification (a level of maturity) in anticipation of the reward of satisfaction later on (I hope I didn't loose you here because I know that some people may be feeling a little offended right now).
Stay with me here! I am interested in helping people in a bigger way than just providing information about how to stop smoking by controlling the smoking behavior itself. This is why my writings will not appeal to everyone; and that's OK. Not everyone is going to be ready for what I have to say; and that is OK. You are where you are and I encourage you to find what suits you based on where you are at. There are many resources and I encourage you to take a look at them and find something that will help you right where you are today.
What I am primarily all about is Personal Development. I am aware of developmental issues that make it very hard for many people to quit smoking. There are things regarding personal development which I teach, that are not well understood; even by most experts. There are some people who are ready to take it to the next level and my writings are geared for them. My writings deal with issues at the "cause" level. If this is not you, then don't feel bad. It's OK. Personal development is a process and it can't be forced. But I know there are people who are looking for something more. If that is you; then please stay with me.
In all of my writings you will hear me teach about these developmental issues. As I said, it is not for everyone but if you are ready to take it to the next level of understanding, then it is for you. For a person to quit smoking, quitting would be like discontinuing a part of yourself. This is because smoking is so much a part of who a person is. Consider this.... Many people who have struggled to stop smoking eventually did. Why after so many years of struggling where they suddenly able to just stop smoking?
This is one indication of what I was saying. Is "THE" hindrance that makes quitting seem so impossible, really the physical aspect. Possibly for some who have so much nicotine in there system that the withdrawal process scares them. But personally, I believe that for the far majority of people, the physical aspect is not the real hindrance that makes quitting seem impossible. I think that many people do believe it is when it isn't because of their current understanding. What they truly believe is going to be real to them. Now then; if there is something else that is the real hindrance that makes quitting seem impossible, how will they every discover it if they believe it is the physical that is the real hindrance?
My main purpose with this articlePsychology Articles, is to get you to consider the possibility that there may be something more to quitting smoking than the physical aspect. Are you open to consider the possibility that smoking may be a part of who you are and therefore there just may be developmental issues to consider?
Frank Andrews is the author of two self-help books. This developed as the result of being a student of personal development for over 25 years. Having worked through many of his own personal struggles, he now provides information to help others. You can find free quit-smoking information on his website at: http://www.AnswersToQuitSmoking.com
