It is a known fact that quitting smoking is not that easy. However, it can be if you know the best strategy to use. Other than undergoing treatments, joining a support group can greatly help you quit the habit for good. While group counseling may not be effective for some, it can be your source of strength and motivation as you find your way to a smoke-free life.
Just in case you want to know, the following are the top advantages of joining a support group when quitting smoking:
- It increases your knowledge about smoking and how to quit. Most smoking support groups utilize a two-pronged approach. First, they provide education. They educate the members of how dangerous smoking is, what treatments are available for them, and so on. Whether you’re just up to some knowledge about smoking as an addiction or you want to know your options in quitting smoking today, joining a support group might just be the thing.
- It can increase your motivation and enthusiasm to quit. Admit it – there are times when you want to stop smoking then and there but there are also times when you can’t just give it up. During such moments, all your enthusiasm to quit is gone. In a support group, you get to meet people who are undergoing the same challenges you have. Altogether, you can form strategies that will keep the desire to quit alive until you have successfully dropped the habit.
- It is a great source of moral and spiritual support. The psychological effects of smoking can be tormenting. Those who quit usually experience undesirable emotional symptoms, such as continual irritability, anxiety, and in worse cases – depression. Knowing that you are surrounded by people who deeply understand your situation and empathize to your feelings, you can easily deal with the challenges that come along with your goal to quit.
- It helps you manage stress. Quitting smoking can be stressful for many people. Those who quit tend to be pressured and anxious of the possibility of relapse. Some experience severe withdrawal symptoms that affect the quality of their life. Support groups have a specially-designed program that will help you manage the stress brought by quitting. Your mentors, as well as your peers, can give you tips, advices and other useful information that will make quitting smoking not just easy but fun!
- Many succeed quitting through it. Studies show that a significant percentage of smokers who try to quit by joining a social support group succeed. Social support groups intended for smokers are staffed with highly qualified smoking cessation specialists and mentors (who are usually former smokers). They can give you advice and recommendation as to what treatment or quit smoking medication to take, what to avoid, and what to consider before choosing a treatment.
Why do it alone when you can have not just one, not just two, but many people to stand behind you and support you? By simply being with the right people, you can quit smoking today
