Quitting Social Smoking Effectively

You keep hearing that quitting smoking shall reduce your chances of dying from blood vessel disease , a heart attack, lung problems or cancer and stroke. Among the readers might be a few social smokers too who wouldn’t mind having an odd cigarette off and on coupled with their single malt in a pack of close friends.  

While we keep warning the chronic smokers of its ill consequences, even social smokers should not be left off the radar because whether you smoke socially or regularly is not the point. The point is the toxic chemicals being inhaled.

Surprising Facts that come as News to Social Smokers 

• Light smokers too run an increased risk of developing lung infections. The interesting fact is that when this segment shall develop infections, their consequent symptoms too will last longer than non-smokers. 
• If you are being flattered the way you look enjoying fag at one of your favorite pub,  then you might want to reconsider how even the occasional cigarette could dreadfully impact your appearance in coming years. Inhaling over 5,000 chemicals including nicotine and tar per ciggie would definitely do their job on your face and skin when prematurely you’ll start looking 60 in your early 40’s. Expect a cancer probability too. You are not an exception.   

So, beware that although it  feels harmless ravishing an odd cigarette with friends, the giant problem of smoking doesn’t become any more the less real.

Smoking is Injurious to Health.   

It’s never too late – if persistence prevails 

Think of setting up a plan to quit. Grab you opportunities & motivation. Rather than trying, your persistence  might work wonders. Remember – Social smoking is your learned behavior. You can unlearn this too.

Here comes an aid, if that helps : 

• Slowly, cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke occasionally. Say, smoking 

half a cigarette to begin with?

• Try being restrictive on odd even days, numbering on your outings.
• Rope in your friend or two to keep you/him/her off it. 
• Phew! how about having around the brands you highly dislike.
• Carry no lighters and supplies on yourself  at least during an outing or socialising 
• Don’t give it in social or peer pressure or your obsession with being a celebrity icon 
• Reward yourself for every effort of yours that works for you. 

Afterall, it’s your choice, your life ! In the beginning you may find it pretty strange, annoying and question your sanity & commonsense. May argue – why not just one. 

Relax. Wait. The urge will pass. 

Carry on with deep and slow breaths until you seem to relax and gain control over the odd craving. Be prepared that you might not succeed initially but gradually, you might.  

And you will.