We all know how dangerous smoking is. Due to the huge availability of cigarettes and tobacco products, smoking has become one of the most common substance use disorders.Smoking addiction is a serious concern worldwide, affecting numerous people.
After dependence develops, it becomes downright difficult to quit due to the addictive nature of nicotine.Humans develop behavioral patterns of smoking as well which also makes it harder to break the chain of smoking addiction. You can consult the top addiction psychiatrist at the best rehab center in Siliguri.
If you have a loved one struggling with smoking addiction, your support will be invaluable. Congratulations if you are willing to provide that support. It can play a pivotal role in their journey to quit tobacco smoking.
Here’s a guide on how to help your loved one with a smoking addiction:
Knowing the Nature of Smoking Addiction
Before you help someone addicted to smoking, you should understand the nature of smoking addiction. Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in cigarettes, which affects the brain by stimulating dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.
The release of dopamine creates a cycle of dependency. In this case, people feel a more physical and mental need for nicotine.However, smoking involves more than simply nicotine; it also involves routines and habits.
There’s a considerable number ofpeople who smoke as a way to cope with stress, depression, tension, anxiety, etc. Almost every active smoker knows about the harmful effects of smoking but quitting it is a real challenge for them.
Treating the chemical reliance as well as the behaviors that support it is necessary to overcome this addiction.
Educate Yourself About Substance Dependence
When you have decided to support someone with a smoking addiction, first, you need to understand the basics about what they’re going through. Here is how you can do that:
Understand that there will be physical and emotional symptoms of smoking withdrawal, such as irritability, jumpy, restlessness, trouble sleeping, anxiety, headaches, and cravings.
You should familiarize yourself with the different methods that can help your loved one, such as a family member, partner, or friend quit smoking. These include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), prescription medications, counseling, and behavioral therapy.
Understand that there are relapse triggers, such as low mood, difficulties in life, stress, social gatherings, alcohol, and certain times of the day. Getting expert support from a reliable doctor always helps.
Ensure a Non-Judgmental Conversation
When discussing quitting smoking with your loved one, tact, and understanding are necessary.
Here's how to start that initial conversation:
- Choose the right timewhen neither of you is rushed or stressed.
- Don’t start by saying you need to stop smoking or smoking can cause a number of diseases.
- Be open and non-judgmental and you can say “I know this is hard for you,” “Expert support is always there”,and “I’m here to support you, no matter what.”
- Don’t create pressure on someone to quit smoking, alcohol, or other substances. It often causes backfires, leading to defensiveness. Instead, you should share your concern for their health and well-being.
- Ask how you can support them by saying “What can I do to help you through this?”
Encourage Professional Support
While support from a loved one is invaluable, nothing can replace professional help when it comes to fighting addiction. Medical support can be a game-changer, leading to effective recovery and management. Visit the leading rehab center in Siliguri.
You can encourage them to receive:
- Lifestyle management
- Counseling and support groups
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Prescription Medications
Helping someone with a smoking addiction needs patience and is not easy. However, your support would play a vital role in breaking the cycle of smoking addiction. Reach out to the leading addiction psychiatrist in Siliguri.