Smoking Cessation Programs

The consequences of chronic cigarette smoking have been made public for many years. There are medical pathological images on the boxes of the cigarettes. They are shown on printed and media advertisements and smokers are constantly reminded about the dangers to their health at each visit to the doctor.

The most talked about one, of course, is lung cancer. But the adverse effects of cigarettes actually start from the very first ten minutes of inhaling the smoke. Cigarettes have about 600 ingredients and the list of attributable consequences is likely just as long. For starters, it narrows arteries and makes the blood thicker causing an increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease. It can lead to stomach cancer, acid reflux, osteoporosis, bronchitis and chronic obstructive lung disease. It makes you age prematurely, can reduce fertility, lead to impotence and many others. 1 in every 2 smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness.

Although an estimated 70% of smokers want to quit because they know all this, they feel stuck. They feel lost. They feel helpless and hopeless. It's not uncommon and it's because of addictive substances found in the cigarette.

Research has shown that nicotine is just as addictive as heroin, cocaine and alcohol. Unfortunately, therefore, and despite repeated attempts, people still continue to smoke.

Quitting smoking is hard. There is no need to sugar-coat it. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, anger, or anxiety. You might have trouble thinking, trouble sleeping and feel hungrier than usual. Many people give up trying to quit because of these withdrawal symptoms, gaining weight or feeling stressed. But, just as the harmful effects begin in the first 10 minutes, so do the benefits of quitting. The younger you are when you stop, the more benefits you get, but you can never be too old to quit.

Hard does not mean impossible. With the proper support, it can be done. It has been before and the next one to succeed could be you. One of our trained professionals can help. The smoking cessation program at RingWell will teach you how to cope with cravings, provide counseling for dependence and equip you with the tools you need to finally give up smoking. Contact us today for more information!