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Great American Smokeout 2009 poses ultimate challenge for die-hard smokers
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The Great American Smokeout 2009 represents the American Cancer Society's 33rd annual challenge to smokers. Is it truly possible to go without a "crutch" for at least one day? The first step is to take it seriously. The next step is the challenge itself.
Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs available. Smoking can cause sore throats, headaches, consistent coughing and yet smokers light another. Regardless of grim news from doctors, some emphysema and cancer patients continue the bad habit that got them there. Many smokers unhappy with their habit talk about quitting, but continue aimlessly with no avail. What causes this blindly intense attraction to thrive in such a negative environment?
Nicotine raises levels of dopamine in the brain increasing the pleasure, satisfaction and reward experience of the user. Research findings have also indicated a possible genetic predisposition making it easier for some people to start smoking and equally as difficult for them to stop.
Fifty years ago the tobacco industry convinced consumers through persuasive advertising that smoking was for the rich, powerful, sexy and ultimately fashionable. Medical researchers then began leaking new information that smoking caused increased risk for heart failure, lung disease and cancer. Consequently this made future cigarette promotions increasingly senseless. The Marlboro Cowboy and the "You've come a long way, baby" chic and sleek sophisticate holding that Virginia Slim are now classified as "vintage advertising. Although the methodology has changed, tobacco companies are still campaigning for customers and potential young recruits by dispensing logo merchandise and coupons.
Social discrimination and the rising cost of cigarettes are two very logical reasons to quit, but have seemingly come up short with permanent guarantees for abstinence. Longevity and improved health continue to be the heavy weight in a smoker's decision to ultimately quit.
If as a smoker you respectfully observed the Smokeout, within twenty minutes your blood pressure was reduced to the level it was before your last cigarette. Simultaneously, your body temperature also increased to a level closer to normal. Eight hours without a cigarette depleted the extra levels of carbon monoxide present in the bloodstream. If you abstained for the full 24 hours, you have already decreased your risk for a heart attack. Continued smoking cessation automatically increases the chances for longevity regardless of whether a person quits smoking at 20 or 60 years old.
As physical well-being is a thumbs-up reason to quit smoking, nicotine withdrawal proves to be the most negative aspect. Nicotine deprivation can result in headaches, increased nervousness, emotional irritability, inability to sleep and nicotine cravings strong enough to interrupt normal concentration. These symptoms can be initially harsh, but will lessen with time. Relapse can reverse these symptoms since the pleasure derived from the increased level of dopamine is actually relief from withdrawal. Relapse also reverses well intended personal goals and delays the inevitable. The addictive properties in nicotine are a blatant reminder that there is rarely any realism to the idea of "just one cigarette".
Finally a reconfiguration of the "smoking ritual" is vitally essential for lasting change. Every smoker has personal rituals whether it involves planned breaks, smoking while driving, that morning coffee or nightcap, stress relief or just a relaxing moment. It is imperative that these rituals be consciously changed or deleted in order to break the habit as well as reduce temptation and cravings.
A Great American Smokeout is an ingenious way to rattle that settled-in habit with a need for change. The ultimate goal is to quit smoking for one day, then continue on to the next. True success does not occur in merely meeting this challenge, but rather in exceeding it. This can and will happen if the smoker truly wants to change and has the determination to overcome the irrationalities that hover over addiction.
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