Freedom from Smoking

Why is it that some people find it very easy to stop smoking while others give the impression that it is nearly impossible? Allan Carr’s ‘The Easy Way to Stop Smoking’ is a great way to educate hardened smokers because it removes the attraction of smoking. The smoker is programmed to see smoking as an unattractive habit. It is no longer part of their identity. It is much easier to stop smoking if the image you have of yourself is that of a non-smoker. If the message that you are giving yourself is that smoking is cool and attractive, that it is desirable and comforting and that therefore you are a smoker what chance do you have to pack it in? I think that under the circumstances the chances are virtually nil. The smoking ban in Scotland, with the unattractive image of people standing outside pubs in the cold because they are addicts may be beneficial for people who want to stop smoking. If you want to become a non-smoker, here are some steps you can take to assist the process of change:

• Create a mental image of yourself as a person who does not smoke. See yourself as a person who does not smoke. If you see yourself in a situation where you would normally go without a cigarette then congratulate yourself
• Repeat to yourself ‘I am a permanent non smoker’ until you are comfortable with that statement.
• Read as many books on stopping smoking as you need to keep you focussed on your intention to be a permanent non smoker
• If you have had initial success and ‘fall off the wagon,’ don’t give up. Remember most people have made several attempts to stop smoking before they finally succeeded.

There are many resources on the Internet that can support and advise you on smoking cessation. Hypnosis and coaching is also a good option, as personal one-to-one support can be invaluable. I would not advise you to contact a professional unless you have really decided that you want to stop and that you are prepared to make an effort. It is misleading to suggest that most people can stop smoking in one session of therapy, although that is what most people want to hear. Therapists use many approaches including cognitive behavioural interventions and hypnosis. If you want an approach tailored to your individual circumstances then you can contact me on 0131 556 5685.