Most smokers, when you ask them, will claim that even though they smoke every day, they really do want to quit smoking. However, the number one reason some smokers don’t quit is that deep down inside, they really do not want to quit at all. Nicotine is an addictive drug, simple as that. And the body, once introduced to high amounts of it over a period of time, can’t seem to function without it. Quitting smoking is hard, but the truth of the matter is that if you go 48 hours without a cigarette, the nicotine in your body is then gone. After the first 48 hours, if a smoker wants another cigarette, it is for reasons other than a nicotine addiction.

So what could those reasons be? Well, many people give the reason that smoking gives them energy. This can be why it is so hard to quit smoking. In a way, this is true, because smoking speeds your heart rate up. But that is like saying running from a bear is good for you because it keeps you in shape. Nicotine is a true stimulant, and it not only increases your heart rate but also your blood pressure. It is like getting angry with someone, getting the same biological results. But a way to get these same addictive effects (in ways other than smoking, running from bears, or getting mad at someone,) a good night sleep and plenty of exercises should do the trick. Drinking lots of clean, cool water also helps. It gives you something to put in your mouth and can help flush more nicotine out of the body.

One of the most common reasons people give for not quitting smoking is that they have become comfortable with the feel of a cigarette in their hands. Some even say they just like to watch the smoke come out of their mouths. Lots of smokers go back to smoking because they had nothing to do with their hands. We are creatures of habit and this makes perfect sense. However, some find handling a cigarette when trying to quit makes them want to smoke one. Eating regular meals to avoid getting hungry is also a good tip.