Why Is Quitting So Hard?

It's not easy to stop smoking. 90% of people who try to stop smoking fail. Here's why it is so hard to stop smoking:

Nicotine: you are addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco. It causes changes in the brain that makes people want to use more and more. Nicotine is colorless and highly poisonous (it's also used as an insecticide). Smokers don't feel normal without nicotine and need it to feel calm and satisfied. Have a look here to find out more about the ingredients of cigarettes.

Routine: every smoker develops a smoking routine and it is hard to break routines. Cigarettes are a big part of a smoker's life. Breaking the habits is the hardest part of giving up smoking.

Triggers: smoking goes with other things. There are situations and emotions that trigger a smoker to light up a cigarette. When someone is trying to quit he feels uncomfortable when he is in a situation where he normally lights a cigarette.

Here's a list of possible triggers:

• Emotions: certain emotions may trigger a smoker's need for cigarettes. Some smokers light up when they are angry or stressed, some when they are bored. Smoking gives you a distraction from problems.
• Drinking coffee, wine or beer
• The end of a meal
• Driving
• Other people smoking
• Making a telephone call
• Watching Television
• Social activities
• Loneliness
• After sex
• In the morning (you've been without nicotine for 8 hours)
• Happy events
• ...