Blogaborty: Prepare to Quit Smoking

Smoking is not all bad. Smoking gives you an uplifting sense of motivation before, and satisfaction after, a job well done. This is the result of the nicotine in the cigarette stimulating the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine in turn lights up the reward-seeking pleasure-centers of the brain. Smoking thus motivates you to work hard even in the absence of external reward and recognition. It keeps your enthusiasm up and expectation low, and acts like engine-oil for the mind. It is therefore very difficult to give up smoking and face a bleaker world.

Alas smoking has well-documented, dangerous and distressing side-effects that manifest with age and time. The health related statistics are however so conflicting and confusing that most smokers misinterpret the hazy conclusions in their favor. This makes it even harder to quit.

I quit smoking for good in February last year. I was smoking then for 13 years of which last 5 were littered with failed quitting attempts. Determined to quit, I dissected and diagnosed my earlier failures, and by the end of February I had a no-bullshit plan to quit.

My plan was to prepare in advance for things that might trigger a relapse. Stress was by far the top trigger. I therefore chose a time when my work pressure was low and when there was nothing worrying me at home. Luckily I was also able to pay off my mortgage around that time.

Constipation can strangle your strongest resolve. Without nicotine to relieve my anxiety I felt constipated for more than a month after I quit. I couldn't find a way around this tight spot, but I held on to the belief that this condition cannot last. I have to admit though that the transition was literally a pain in the ass. You can stock up on some laxatives, but I made it through without any.

Nicotine withdrawal can also lead to irritation. I knew that I would need some extra support from family and friends. I told my wife P that I might rage around like Mr. Hyde for a while. I also took out a lot of my indignation and irritation on my understanding friends. Don't be ashamed to bank on others. Most people are eager to help.

I read through Allen Carr's bestselling book ‘Easyway to Stop Smoking’ during the next couple of days to keep my will from weakening. The book might be repetitive and preachy but it was a real help. I also read Siddhartha Mukherjee's more academically grim book 'The Emperor of All Maladies' to strengthen my resolve.

Falling dopamine levels can be jacked up by engaging in activities you love. I started painting again and bought a DSLR. I also bought some expensive books that were gathering dust on my wish list. And I gorged on a lot of gourmet food enjoying their exquisite taste after a very long time. Almost anything is better than smoking. Just keep in mind that excess amounts of alcohol can dissolve your resolve.

People will tell you that with time the craving goes away, but I am not so sure. I still have the craving. I choose to ignore it just like John Nash chose to ignore his imaginary friends in the movie ‘A Beautiful Mind’. It is a constant struggle, but the benefits of a healthy mind and body start to overshadow the craving as soon as you quit.