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To quit smoking, don't stop thinking about cigarettes

By Kasie Davies on Tuesday 24 August 2010

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Smoking - Health News - Marie Claire

If you’re among the thousands of smokers trying to give up this year, you’ll know just how tough it can be. You may also think that suppressing thoughts about cigarettes is surely a good start. Right? Not necessarily.

British researchers have discovered that while blocking out nicotine thoughts can help reduce cravings at first, it actually results in the individual smoking more than normal if they eventually cave in.

And the rule doesn’t just apply to smoking. Co-author Dr James Erskine, of University of London, says: ‘These findings have obvious implications for those seeking to give up certain behaviours, for example, smoking, overeating, drinking, sex and other excessive behaviours.

‘If trying to avoid thoughts of something in an attempt to give it up actually unwittingly triggers a subsequent increase, it’s a poor method of self control. This method may stop people using quitting techniques that are ultimately harmful.’

Dr Erskine and his team conducted a study of 85 smokers with a ten-a-day habit.

They were split into three groups and asked to behave as normal in the first and third week.

It was during the second week that one group was asked to suppress their thoughts of smoking, another to actively think about cigarettes, and the third to not change anything.

The group that suppressed thoughts ended up smoking more cigarettes in the third week, whilst the other two groups’ level of smoking remained constant.

‘Knowing what techniques not to use should lead to better understanding of what methods of quitting do work,’ concludes Dr Erskine.

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Tuesday 24 August 2010

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My mom smoked for 50 years and used to start every day with a fit of coughing. She also injured herself from having once fallen asleep while smoking. Someone told me about electronic cigarettes, so I ordered her one. She loves it. It's different from tobacco as there's no tar, no carbon monoxide and doesn't have all the yucky stuff in it like cigs do. And there is no fire risk since nothing burns. She's been able to get away from tobacco and is now breathing much better. Highly recommended!

Comment by qaz668 on August 24 11:09

I have smoked cigarettes for most of the past 30 years and it is only this year that I have finally been able to almost quit, except when out socially and then I usaully end up having between 1-5 after which I feel bad the next day with a cigarette 'hangover' I add that this happeans every 3-4 weeks. I am almost an ex smoker and don't think about smoking at all at other times so what do I do...stop going out or maybe just realise the trigger abit better and get a grip !
Comment by Jo Ellis on August 25 12:22