As the big hand slowly crept to midnight on New Years Eve, some people around me rushed to find a significant other to kiss, while others discussed their resolutions to end bad habits.
I have been one of those people who in the past has vowed to make changes in my life and who has made resolutions to live a healthier and better lifestyle; however, in past years I have found myself simply giving up on my resolutions.
Last year, I promised to exercise more and to lose weight. At the time, my resolution seemed like it was off to a good start. For two months, I made frequent trips to a fitness club and sacrificed junk food and carbs completely. I managed to lose 10 pounds, but as soon as March rolled around, I became busier as a student and was less interested in running on a treadmill.
I am sure that everyone has found themselves in the same situation as me. Sure, it is easy to make a resolution, but it is also easy to break it.
This year, I told myself that I am no longer going to be a victim to nicotine and I am going to save my lungs by giving up my bad habit of smoking. Some might say that quitting smoking is easy, but those who have lived their lives around cigarettes know this is not necessarily true.
If quitting was easy, cigarette companies would not post labels such as, "Caution, smoking could increase the chances of becoming addicted" on packs. There would also be no such thing as Nicotrol patches, Nicorette gum and pills like Zyban to help people break away from this habit. Recently, there have even been people who have gone and seen hypnotists or who have had electric shocks to prevent their cravings.
This is not my first attempt to quit. I once tried the patch, but became so desperate and edgy that I wanted to rip the sticker off my arm, roll it up and smoke it. On my second attempt, I tried the gum. It worked for awhile. I lost my addiction to cigarettes, but I found a new addiction to Nicorette. I became so dependent on the gum that I found that I was investing more money on it than when I purchased smokes.
I have realized that my addiction to nicotine has entirely ruled and controlled my life. In the morning, a cup of coffee seemed to taste so much better with a cigarette. To relieve stress in between classes and my part-time job, I would spend my 15 minute break smoking. Nothing sounded more appropriate than ending a hard day with a cigarette before bed.
This time around, I am taking the "cold turkey" approach. It has been 11 days since the last time I lit up. Sure, I have had cravings and have thought "one last cigarette won't hurt," but every time these thoughts enter my mind, I grab a piece of bubblegum, a gummy worm or a piece of hard candy for a quick fix.
Over and over teachers have told me about the dangers of smoking, but I never really paid attention or simply thought "that can't possibly happen to me." What I now know is that everything that they had said is true.
According to the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov, cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the U.S.: smoking causes 30 percent of cancer deaths each year and 87 percent of smokers are diagnosed with lung cancer.
Besides the never-ending list of health problems that smoking can lead to, smoking also ages one's appearance by causing fine lines and wrinkles, stains peopleís teeth and gums and leaves a strong odor.
Is putting tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide in your body worth it? As for the "new" me, I think not.
Be the first to comment on this article!