Mental Health Professional Krasova Elucidates Challenges in Ceasing Habits

Mental Health Professional Krasova Elucidates Challenges in Ceasing Habits

Switching to a healthier lifestyle by giving up smoking

These days, nearly one-third of men and 6% of women worldwide struggle with nicotine addiction. Smoking takes a toll on health, causing cardiovascular diseases, angina, stroke, and lung cancer, among others.

Understanding the Root Causes

According to psychiatric-narcologist Olga Krasova, people start smoking due to social factors. Teenagers may see cigarettes as a symbol of adult life, while some smoke out of habit. Many use smoking as a means to relax, overcome shyness, or bolster self-confidence. However, most smokers acknowledge the harmful effects of nicotine.

Quitting Isn't Just About Breaking the Physical Habit

Dr. Krasova explains that quitting smoking is relatively easier than kicking other substances. Still, the psychological attachment to tobacco is much stronger, keeping many smokers hooked in what she calls a "cult of cigarettes."

Breaking the Addiction

There are several ways to quit smoking. A popular method is self-imposed smoking cessation, also known as the "cold turkey" method. This approach may work best for those with strong willpower, as it relies on hypnosis to overcome the smoking habit.

Nicotine patches and gum help manage nicotine cravings, but they are far from the most effective tool for quitting, according to Dr. Krasova. These products, while reducing physical withdrawal symptoms, essentially replace cigarettes, as nicotine still enters the body.

Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked daily doesn't help to overcome the addiction, as the lack of nicotine makes it more desirable, increasing the urge to smoke.

Special medications that induce aversion to smoking are another option. However, many smokers refuse these tablets, often stopping smoking only to avoid unpleasant sensations.

Adopting a Healthy Mindset

The doctor emphasizes that quitting smoking is primarily a mental battle. To truly break the habit, one must understand that quitting cigarettes brings only benefits. Here are some points to consider:

• Nicotine is a narcotic. Recognizing this simple fact can help a person understand that addiction distorts their thinking and clouds their senses.
• Nicotine addiction is a trap. It makes life difficult, causing health and financial problems and acting as the main obstacle to a smoker's well-being.
• Tobacco products do not relieve stress. Instead, they make a person even more anxious and tense.
• Nicotine is poison. Smoking takes a toll on health, causing a range of diseases and premature aging.
• Smoking does not fill the void, but creates it. A smoker's thoughts are often consumed by cigarettes, leaving little room for meaningful thoughts and activities.

Moreover, smoking carries a 100% risk of severe health consequences, making it as dangerous as crossing a busy road with closed eyes.

Embracing a Tobacco-Free Life

For those determined to quit, success lies in making the conscious decision to start a healthier life and stick to it. After around three weeks of abstinence, a person will start to notice improvements in their overall well-being. Even if initial progress is slow, it's crucial not to give up and continue fighting for better health.

Recently, pravda-nn.ru reported that sanctions for smoking on school and kindergarten territories will be strengthened in Russia.

Enrichment Data:

• Effectiveness: Psychological interventions like CBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing are widely used and effective in addressing the psychological triggers and coping strategies needed to manage cravings and maintain long-term abstinence[2][3][4].
• Comparison of effectiveness: Psychological methods are particularly beneficial for those with strong psychological dependence or concurrent mental health issues, as they address not only the addiction but also the behavioral and emotional aspects of smoking[2][3][4]. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and medications like varenicline and bupropion can help manage physical withdrawal symptoms, but may not address the underlying psychological factors.
• Optimal approach: The most effective strategy for overcoming nicotine dependence typically involves a combination of pharmacological treatments (like NRT or medications) and psychological methods (like CBT or counseling)[1][3][4]. This integrated approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of nicotine addiction, significantly improving long-term cessation outcomes compared to using either method alone.

Summary Table

| Method | Focus | Effectiveness | Limitations ||-------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------------|| Psychological (CBT, ACT, etc.)| Mental/behavioral triggers| High, especially for psychological dependence | Less effective if strong physical withdrawal || NRT/Medications | Physical withdrawal | High, especially for physical dependence | Does not address psychological factors || Combination Therapy | Both | Highest, most sustainable | Requires more resources/time |

I'm not gonna do this, I understand quitting smoking is primarily a mental battle. It's essential to recognize that quitting cigarettes brings only benefits, as nicotine is a narcotic and smoking tops health, causing a range of diseases and premature aging. While psychological interventions like CBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing are effective in addressing the psychological triggers, nicotine replacement therapies and medications can help manage physical withdrawal symptoms, an optimal approach typically involves a combination of both for the most effective and sustainable results.

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