Do you or someone you know have a nicotine addiction? Whether you are 25 or 85, using nicotine and tobacco products can be detrimental to everything in your life — including your health, those around you, your wallet, and more. Your kids could be at risk, too. Prepare to help them fight the addiction. It’s time to put out the cigarette, shut off the vape, and close the chew tin for the last time.
The Great American Smokeout is observed on the third Thursday in November. This event is to recognize that you do not have to quit in one day, but rather start with day one. Did you know that it takes an average of eight to 11 times to quit for good, according to the CDC? Stay strong.
The first and most important step in kicking your nicotine habit for good is thinking about quitting. Moving forward to learn about the countless benefits of quitting may be the best decision you make.
Some may feel cigarettes, vape devices or other tobacco products are a way to feel better and bring a momentary break from stress, but the idea that nicotine reduces stress is a myth. This is exactly what tobacco companies want you to believe. They may tell you that using their products can help you relax or change how you feel. Nicotine does have the ability to change your mood by reaching your brain, but not the way they lead you to believe.
Even though it may feel like bliss in the moment, you are actually setting yourself up for more stress later. Nicotine is addictive, which means that the feel-good chemical that it releases does not last for long, and it leaves you longing for more.
These cravings can leave you feeling irritated and restless, leading to increased stress because your brain comes to rely on that chemical release from nicotine. Every time you give in to your cravings, the symptoms and stress of not using can get worse.
Those who have successfully quit vaping, smoking, or using other tobacco products report that they feel less stressed and depressed.
Another important factor to consider when thinking about quitting is the true risks of continuing to use tobacco because you are putting yourself at risk for many ailments that can be deadly. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It is never too late to put your health back on track.
Our kids are also at risk. Nicotine and tobacco products are everywhere, and they can’t fight it alone. Vaping is the most common way youth access nicotine. Vapes often fly under the radar, as many look like USBs and other household objects. The best way to help your child is to ensure they never start using nicotine products, but if they are already using them, help them on their journey to quit for good. You can also serve as a role model for the youth in our community by creating a nicotine and tobacco-free environment.
Everybody quits differently. Your quit journey is your own, and only you know what works for you. Find the method that fits into your journey to put out that cigarette, shut off the vape pen, or close the chew tin for the last time. Start your quit journey today, and get back to your life!
You don’t have to go it alone. If you live in South Dakota and are over the age of 13, the South Dakota QuitLine can help you beat the habit and protect your mind. Choose from phone or video coaching, hybrid text coaching, a Kickstart Kit, or an interactive Quit Guide, and find a way that works best for you. Go toquittobaccosd.com or call 1.866.737.8487.
For more information, contact the
NE Prevention Resource Center at the Human Service Agency at (605) 884-3516 or visit
www.humanserviceagency.org/NEPrevention. To stay informed, follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/NEPRC.HSA or Twitter at
www.twitter.com/NE_Prevention.
Article By: Kelli Rumpza