Smoking is not only a physical addiction but a psychological addiction (used as a coping mechanism) and habit (reinforcement through repetition). Many people who have successfully quit smoking say that they found it helpful to understand their individual smoking habit. They learned about why and when they smoked before developing strategies for coping. You probably haven't spent much time thinking about your own smoking habit, but you can start now by looking at the times, places and moods that influence when you reach for a cigarette.
Using a rating scale of 1 to 5 (1 = never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = very frequently, and 5 = always), answer the following questions:
Total your scores on the following groups of questions. Your highest scores will show you which aspects of smoking are the most problematic for you, so that you can develop alternatives.
Your total score on questions 1, 6, and 13 ______
Stimulation
: You feel that smoking gives you energy and
keeps you moving. You need to find energy-boosting alternatives
such as regular exercise, walking, running or playing a sport.
Your total score on questions 3, 7, and 14 ______
Fidgeting, handling, process
: You enjoy the process of
smoking and having something in your hand. Instead of a cigarette,
hold a pen or a fake cigarette, or squeeze a rubber ball.
Your total score on questions 4, 11, and 16 ______
Routine
: Cigarettes are primarily a habit for you. You
need to develop more awareness of each cigarette you smoke.
Breaking the habit aspect of smoking is probably one of the easiest
parts.
Your total score on questions 5, 8, and 18 ______
Stress reduction
: You look to cigarettes to relieve tension
and provide comfort. You need alternative coping/stress-reduction
methods such as exercise, writing in a journal, talking to a
friend, or expressing your feelings assertively. See
Stress
Center
.
Your total score on questions 2, 10, and 15 ______
Pleasure
: You enjoy it for the simple pleasure. Try some
alternative sources of pleasure: a bubble bath, massage, or
hobby.
Your total score on questions 9, 12, and 17 ______
Addiction
: Physical and psychological addiction. This is the
most difficult obstacle to overcome. A combination of quitting
strategies and nicotine replacement therapy can help.
Your smoking triggers are the situations and actions that urge you to reach for a cigarette. The following is a list of common triggers for smokers. Check off the ones that bring on your urge to smoke.
Getting out of bed. ____
Sitting at the table. ____
Driving, or sitting in the car. ____
Drinking coffee. ____
Going to work. ____
Waiting at a bus stop, train station, subway or airport. ____
Taking a break at work. ____
Dealing with a stressful situation at work. ____
Watching TV ____
Having a drink. ____
Being at a social event. ____
After lunch. ____
After dinner. ____
Dealing with a stressful situation at home. ____
After sex. ____
Other situations: __________________________________________________
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Distract yourself from the urge to smoke for a few minutes and the urge often goes away. Here are some ideas for coping with your triggers: