Reasons to quit smoking
There are many reasons why people may want to quit smoking. Some common motivations include:
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Health concerns
Smoking is a major cause of preventable diseases, such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and improve overall health.
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Appearance
Smoking can stain teeth and cause bad breath, and it can also affect the way a person looks, with premature wrinkles and an aged appearance. Quitting smoking can improve the appearance and boost self-esteem.
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Improved quality of life
Smoking is a major cause of preventable diseases, such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and improve overall health.
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Cost
Smoking is a major cause of preventable diseases, such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and improve overall health.
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Pregnancy and parenting
Smoking during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby, and second-hand smoke can be harmful to children. Quitting smoking can improve the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, and it can also protect children from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
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Social pressure
Many people feel pressure from friends, family, and others to quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help a person conform to social norms and avoid negative reactions from others.
It is important for each person to identify their own motivations
for quitting smoking and to use those motivations as a source of inspiration and support during the quitting process.
Quit Smoking Group Sessions
For those who want to stop smoking, joining quit-smoking group sessions can be helpful. It is a way for people to support each other as they try to quit smoking. Here are some of the topics covered in our quit-smoking group sessions:
- Setting a quit date and developing a plan: Participants can discuss when they plan to quit and talk about strategies they can use to help them succeed. This might include identifying triggers that lead them to smoke, finding alternative ways to cope with stress or cravings, and enlisting the support of friends and family.
- Dealing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms: Quitting smoking can be challenging, especially in the first few weeks. Group members can share their experiences with cravings and withdrawal and discuss strategies for managing them.
- 3Overcoming setbacks and relapses: It’s common for people to have setbacks or slip-ups when they’re trying to quit. Participants can discuss strategies for getting back on track after a relapse and talk about ways to prevent future relapses.
- 4Coping with stress: Smoking is often used to cope with stress, so quitting can be especially challenging when stress levels are high. Group members can discuss healthy ways to manage stress and talk about strategies for avoiding smoking as a coping mechanism.
- 5Maintaining motivation: Staying motivated to quit smoking can be difficult, especially over the long term. Group members can share their experiences and discuss strategies for maintaining motivation to stay smoke-free.
- 6Celebrating successes: It’s important to recognise and celebrate the progress that group members have made in their efforts to quit smoking. Group members can share their successes and encourage each other to continue their journey.
Our quit-smoking sessions are facilitated by competent health experts who are experienced in smoking cessation and other health matters.
