Behavioral Health Corner

I Smoke Because I Like Smoking

  Bruce Cameron    

Talk to any current smoker about why they smoke and she will normally reply, "Because I like smoking." This may seem like a true statement, but it is deceiving. Depending on her habit, she smokes because she does not enjoy "not" smoking. It appears that Colleyville has its fair share of individuals that are heavy nicotine users, many being chemically dependent on nicotine.

I have lived in the area for 7 years and have driven on Hwy 26/Colleyville Blvd daily. I recently noticed employees smoking outside their offices and saw many drivers in the area smoking behind the wheel. I then informally surveyed some vendors where cigarettes are purchased. Vendors indicated that many of their customers were "residents" and not transients from neighboring areas. Many of these are adolescents who reside in Colleyville and are smoking a pack a day plus. My interviews with carpet cleaning firms indicates a 10-15% of homes serviced had a smoker in the residence. So why does the smoker hang on?

Being a successful smoker is like being an accomplished tight rope walker. The smoker must constantly maintain a balance between these two painful extremes of too much or too little nicotine. The fear which accompanies initial smoking cessation is that the rest of the ex-smoker's entire life will be as horrible as the first few days without cigarettes.

What ex-smokers can learn is that within a short period of time, the physical withdrawal will start to diminish. First, the urges will weaken in intensity and then become shorter in duration. There will be longer time intervals between urges. With time the urges will decrease in frequency and intensity. Many smokers have tried to quit on their own, were able to cut back, but not quit.

As we all know, smoking is harmful to our bodies and to those around us. It is expensive and contributes to poor health of the individual and the community. A smoking cessation program is offered in Colleyville. Interested parties can call 817-996-5438 for more information.

Next month I will offer tips on how to quit or at least prepare to quit smoking.

_____________________________________________________________________________

"You Can Be Smoke Free"
Smoking Cessation Program is offered at:
710 Village Park Drive
Colleyville, TX
817-996-5438
WWW.Besmokefree.com
Bruce.Cameron@besmokefree.com