(See Part 1!)
Nicotine is a substance.
Smoking is a behavior.
One of the first questions I ask my potential clients, on the phone "Do you think you're addicted to smoking?"
Many of my clients say, “I am psychologically addicted to smoking.”
Now, we’re getting somewhere.
It is beneficial for the tobacco companies for you to think you are addicted to their product. Every time you repeat the “oh, I’m so addicted to smoking, It will be so-o-o-o-o hard for me to quit,” the tobacco companies hear the chich-ing of a cash register and their stock price goes up.
We had to sue the tobacco companies to discover they were putting substances into their cigarettes to make them more addictive. Now, we know.
Did they have to change the formula of their products? No.
The tobacco companies realized they could turn what should have a detriment – we manufacture a product that is addictive and kills people -- turn into a positive for them. They embraced it.
What really galls me; this new PR spin isn’t even costing them. Now that the pharmaceutical companies have created products to “cure” your addiction, the tobacco companies don’t need tell you that you have a terrible addiction. Big Pharma is doing it for them because THEY want you to think the only way to get you off your addiction is for you to buy their product.
When do smoke your first cigarette? With your first cup of coffee? Outside on the deck before you go to work? In the car? Walking to the subway?
Go through your day. You barely even think about the actual smoking. You might think about how to smoke, where to smoke, making sure you have time to smoke, but you don’t actually think about smoking.
Most smoking is habitual. I'm not saying that it's easy to change your habits - ask anyone who has quit biting their nails or eating sweets - but you can do it.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Do You Think You Are Addicted to Nicotine? Part 1
All right, it's a trick question. What is your definition of addition?
Here’s one:
Addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. The term has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or activities.
Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). There is a growing recognition that many addicts, such as polydrug abusers, are addicted to more than one substance or process.
(From the Medical Dictionary: The Free Dictionary)
Is smoking a substance or a behavior?
Answer: Nicotine is a substance. Smoking is a behavior.
Nicotine is an addictive substance and I am not going to try to convince you otherwise.
So is heroin. So is caffeine. I know what you’ve read and heard, “Oh, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. More than heroin!” But really, is it?
Ask yourself: If you had to go to the depths of the Bronx at two o’clock in the morning, walk up stairs reeking of urine, to a rat-infested lair to score your cigarettes, would you still do it? I ask my clients that question and very few say yes.
For most of you reading this blog, you must admit, if you had to score your cigarettes that way, you would have quit a long time ago.
When I hear that “more addictive than heroin” quotation from a physician, I press him/her on the issue. What do you mean? After a few minutes of quoting the headlines of medical journals and popular media, the doctor says that it’s hard to quit smoking because cigarettes are legal, cheap and everywhere.
Tobacco is, most certainly, one of the most widely-used addictive substances in the world.
So, how addictive is it?
Lots of people, including me, are addicted to caffeine. When I get up in the morning, I look forward to my one daily cup of coffee. It smells so good and it helps me wake up. If I don’t have my caffeine fix, I get a headache and I am an absolute bitch until I do get it. I admit it; I have a caffeine addiction. When I quit drinking coffee, which I have done several times for various reasons, I progressively cut down for 5-6 days and then I’m off caffeine. No more headache; no other withdrawal symptoms -- Just a feeling of nostalgia whenever I walk past Starbuck’s. (I’m originally from Seattle, people!)
Is nicotine addictive? Sure. But I think that for most people, it is more like a caffeine addiction than a heroine addiction. I can't imagine the reaction of the doctor if I'd asked to be admitted to an addiction program when she recommended I stop drinking coffee. (and don't worry about me now, I'm drinking coffee with my doctor's approval) I’ve had too many clients who came in absolutely convinced that they had a terrible addiction, and they walked out of my office smoke free, with no withdrawal symptoms.
How can that be if smoking is so addictive?
Here’s one:
Addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. The term has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or activities.
Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). There is a growing recognition that many addicts, such as polydrug abusers, are addicted to more than one substance or process.
(From the Medical Dictionary: The Free Dictionary)
Is smoking a substance or a behavior?
Answer: Nicotine is a substance. Smoking is a behavior.
Nicotine is an addictive substance and I am not going to try to convince you otherwise.
So is heroin. So is caffeine. I know what you’ve read and heard, “Oh, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances in the world. More than heroin!” But really, is it?
Ask yourself: If you had to go to the depths of the Bronx at two o’clock in the morning, walk up stairs reeking of urine, to a rat-infested lair to score your cigarettes, would you still do it? I ask my clients that question and very few say yes.
For most of you reading this blog, you must admit, if you had to score your cigarettes that way, you would have quit a long time ago.
When I hear that “more addictive than heroin” quotation from a physician, I press him/her on the issue. What do you mean? After a few minutes of quoting the headlines of medical journals and popular media, the doctor says that it’s hard to quit smoking because cigarettes are legal, cheap and everywhere.
Tobacco is, most certainly, one of the most widely-used addictive substances in the world.
So, how addictive is it?
Lots of people, including me, are addicted to caffeine. When I get up in the morning, I look forward to my one daily cup of coffee. It smells so good and it helps me wake up. If I don’t have my caffeine fix, I get a headache and I am an absolute bitch until I do get it. I admit it; I have a caffeine addiction. When I quit drinking coffee, which I have done several times for various reasons, I progressively cut down for 5-6 days and then I’m off caffeine. No more headache; no other withdrawal symptoms -- Just a feeling of nostalgia whenever I walk past Starbuck’s. (I’m originally from Seattle, people!)
Is nicotine addictive? Sure. But I think that for most people, it is more like a caffeine addiction than a heroine addiction. I can't imagine the reaction of the doctor if I'd asked to be admitted to an addiction program when she recommended I stop drinking coffee. (and don't worry about me now, I'm drinking coffee with my doctor's approval) I’ve had too many clients who came in absolutely convinced that they had a terrible addiction, and they walked out of my office smoke free, with no withdrawal symptoms.
How can that be if smoking is so addictive?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Easier to Quit If You Hang Out Where You Can't Smoke - Like New York City
Very soon, you won't be able to smoke in New York City parks, the beach or Yankee Stadium (!!).
Not much else you can do but quit!
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Smoking-Ban-Sneaks-Up-On-New-Yorkers-Still-Puffing-Away-121610529.html
http://ow.ly/4Slgx
Not much else you can do but quit!
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Smoking-Ban-Sneaks-Up-On-New-Yorkers-Still-Puffing-Away-121610529.html
http://ow.ly/4Slgx
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Cost of Smoking and a Nifty Calculator
You know how much your cigarettes cost you - you shell the money out every time you buy a pack. In NYC, they cost $11/pack. Yipes. In Connecticut, they are $10/pack.
Look at what else your cigarettes are doing to your bank account and check out the calculator at the bottom:
The cost of your health
Life Insurance: Generally, your premiums are 3 times more if you smoke than if you don't smoke. Health Insurance and Medication: Many more health insurance companies are starting to charge more for health insurance plans that cover smokers. Smokers go to the doctor more; they have more heart attacks; they have more medical problems than non smokers. If you are going to the doctor more, because of your smoking habit, add in the cost of your co-pays and your prescription medication. For more on smoking and life insurance costs: http://money.msn.com/health-and-life-insurance/article.aspx?post=275e30eb-bad5-4884-929b-d459e2a823a1
Dental health: A yearly whitening costs $2-300. What about the mints and gum you buy to mask the smell of your breath?
The cost of your home, car and possessions
Home Insurance: Higher home owner's and car insurance premium payments.
Lower Value of Your Car, Home and Possessions: Many potential buyers are put off by the smell of tobacco in a home. It will be harder for you to sell your home. Same with your car. Used car sales people will knock off $1000 on your value of your car if you are trying to trade it in. (by the way, if your friends and family say they don't think your car/house smells, they are lying to save your feelings.)
Insurance on House and Car: Insurance companies know that smokers are more likely to start a fire in the house and more likely to cause a car accident.
Other costs
Getting a date: This is not a financial cost, but it's certainly a personal cost. Fewer people want to date a smoker and people find smokers unattractive. (Even smokers find smokers unattractive!)
Less Social Security: The average smoker dies at 66. So you would be paying in to Social Security or your pension, but you'll never have a chance to spend it.
Smokers Earn Less Money: Studies have found that smokers earn between 4% to 11% less money than their non smoking counterparts. Interesting.
Cleaning Costs: Cleaning your car or taking your "smoking coat" (the one you wear outside when you smoke in the winter) can add up to $100 a year.
The American Cancer Society Cigarette Cost Calculator:
http://ow.ly/4GPjW
Look at what else your cigarettes are doing to your bank account and check out the calculator at the bottom:
The cost of your health
Life Insurance: Generally, your premiums are 3 times more if you smoke than if you don't smoke. Health Insurance and Medication: Many more health insurance companies are starting to charge more for health insurance plans that cover smokers. Smokers go to the doctor more; they have more heart attacks; they have more medical problems than non smokers. If you are going to the doctor more, because of your smoking habit, add in the cost of your co-pays and your prescription medication. For more on smoking and life insurance costs: http://money.msn.com/health-and-life-insurance/article.aspx?post=275e30eb-bad5-4884-929b-d459e2a823a1
Dental health: A yearly whitening costs $2-300. What about the mints and gum you buy to mask the smell of your breath?
The cost of your home, car and possessions
Home Insurance: Higher home owner's and car insurance premium payments.
Lower Value of Your Car, Home and Possessions: Many potential buyers are put off by the smell of tobacco in a home. It will be harder for you to sell your home. Same with your car. Used car sales people will knock off $1000 on your value of your car if you are trying to trade it in. (by the way, if your friends and family say they don't think your car/house smells, they are lying to save your feelings.)
Insurance on House and Car: Insurance companies know that smokers are more likely to start a fire in the house and more likely to cause a car accident.
Other costs
Getting a date: This is not a financial cost, but it's certainly a personal cost. Fewer people want to date a smoker and people find smokers unattractive. (Even smokers find smokers unattractive!)
Less Social Security: The average smoker dies at 66. So you would be paying in to Social Security or your pension, but you'll never have a chance to spend it.
Smokers Earn Less Money: Studies have found that smokers earn between 4% to 11% less money than their non smoking counterparts. Interesting.
Cleaning Costs: Cleaning your car or taking your "smoking coat" (the one you wear outside when you smoke in the winter) can add up to $100 a year.
The American Cancer Society Cigarette Cost Calculator:
http://ow.ly/4GPjW
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Are You a "Social Smoker"? You Are Kidding Yourself
[I lifted the material in this blog entry from two publications, http://www.fitsugar.com/Health-Risks-Social-Smoking-15625455 and Harvard Health Publications]
"Occasional smoking," one or two cigarettes a week or 1/2 pack just when you drink with a certain group of friends, etc. can, and usually is, the beginning slide down a slippery slope. If you are an Occasional Smoker, please pay heed.
There is no safe level of smoking. I know you are saying that you are OK with it, but that is now. First you mooch, then you feel guilty about mooching, so you buy a pack, then you have the cigarettes, so why not smoke them? Then you buy another pack. Now you're a Smoker.
Dr. Rebecca Schane researched "light and intermittent smoking" and has much to say on the subject. There are many health risks associated with social and occasional smoking. These include "heart disease due to high blood pressure and cholesterol-clogged arteries, weakened aorta, premature death from cardiovascular disease, cancers (lung, esophageal, stomach, and pancreas), respiratory tract infections, delayed conception in women and poorer sperm function in men, slower recovery from injuries, cataracts, and poorer-related quality of life
"Additionally, social smokers are typically in social situations with other smokers, thus making them more vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Plus, social smokers are putting those around them at risk by smoking and thus producing secondhand smoke for those around them in their environment"
So if you consider yourself a Social or Occasional Smoker, quit NOW while it's easy.
How to do this?
1. Throw away any cigarettes you have.
2. Stay away from the smokers when you are drinking alcohol. Put your drink in your smoking hand and put something else in your other hand -- a glass of water or a straw.
3. No mooching.
4. Think about how your mouth and throat feel when you wake after an evening of smoking. Most people admit that they feel pretty disgusted in the morning after.
5. Realize that this really can be easy.
Over and out.
"Occasional smoking," one or two cigarettes a week or 1/2 pack just when you drink with a certain group of friends, etc. can, and usually is, the beginning slide down a slippery slope. If you are an Occasional Smoker, please pay heed.
There is no safe level of smoking. I know you are saying that you are OK with it, but that is now. First you mooch, then you feel guilty about mooching, so you buy a pack, then you have the cigarettes, so why not smoke them? Then you buy another pack. Now you're a Smoker.
Dr. Rebecca Schane researched "light and intermittent smoking" and has much to say on the subject. There are many health risks associated with social and occasional smoking. These include "heart disease due to high blood pressure and cholesterol-clogged arteries, weakened aorta, premature death from cardiovascular disease, cancers (lung, esophageal, stomach, and pancreas), respiratory tract infections, delayed conception in women and poorer sperm function in men, slower recovery from injuries, cataracts, and poorer-related quality of life
"Additionally, social smokers are typically in social situations with other smokers, thus making them more vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Plus, social smokers are putting those around them at risk by smoking and thus producing secondhand smoke for those around them in their environment"
So if you consider yourself a Social or Occasional Smoker, quit NOW while it's easy.
How to do this?
1. Throw away any cigarettes you have.
2. Stay away from the smokers when you are drinking alcohol. Put your drink in your smoking hand and put something else in your other hand -- a glass of water or a straw.
3. No mooching.
4. Think about how your mouth and throat feel when you wake after an evening of smoking. Most people admit that they feel pretty disgusted in the morning after.
5. Realize that this really can be easy.
Over and out.
Friday, December 10, 2010
If Obama can quit, so can you!
President Obama Quits Smoking
Go for it.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Great American Smokeout 2010 a Success
The phone was ringing on Nov. 10, the Great American Smokeout 2010! Nothing like a little push to help people quit smoking. (a push, and a 50% discount).
12 more people have quit smoking as a result of the Smokeout. (I've been checking on them and they are all doing just fine.)
The evil-doers at Philip Morris is quaking in their boots.
I can't wait to do this again next year!
12 more people have quit smoking as a result of the Smokeout. (I've been checking on them and they are all doing just fine.)
The evil-doers at Philip Morris is quaking in their boots.
I can't wait to do this again next year!
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