Smoking among teenagers isn’t new. People who start smoking at a young age have a higher risk of developing chronic health problems later in life. According to the CDC, if smoking persists at the current rate among youth in this country, 5.6 million of today’s Americans younger than 18 years of age are projected to die prematurely from a smoking-related illness, and that teens can feel dependent on nicotine sooner than adults.
If you are a teenager who smokes but now considering quitting, you’ve come to the right place. Quitting can be easy and smooth when you are equipped with the right knowledge.
The following tips can help you get started.
Let it be known.
Tell everyone, especially your friends, that you are about to quit smoking. Make a deal with good friends to quit. You may find that they want to quit as well. Coping with the stress that smoking cessation brings is easier when you are doing it with someone.
Be prepared for the ‘put-downs’.
Sometimes, smokers hate to see their fellow smokers quitting. So if you have smoking friends (sure you do), be prepared for a few put-downs. As early as now, think of what to say when a friend offered you a cigarette can. Make sure it wouldn’t offend them. Just say, for example, “I’m trying to save money so I can buy this. Smoking costs me $xxx a year.”, “I’ve started working out at a gym and I need to stop smoking so I can improve my performance.”, or “I figured out that two-thirds of teenagers say smoking reduces sexual attractiveness.”
Get all the help you can.
Many teenagers find it hard to quit smoking alone. Whether it’s from a friend, a family member, or from your doctor, you will need every support other people give you. Don’t be ashamed to tell a doctor that you are a smoker. Many teens do smoke. The most important thing is your desire to quit smoking today.
Get prepared.
The first few days of quitting smoking can be tough not just for teenagers but also for adults. But after this short period, if you will experience a great improvement in your physical and mental health. You will also find that you are no longer craving for cigarettes. Ask your doctor about the best treatments available for you, if you think you need additional support to quit.
Get your family to support you.
If they don’t know you smoke, they might freak out at first. But surely, your family will be very happy to know that you are serious about improving your health. Your parents will be by your side all throughout your journey towards a cigarette-free life.
Quitting smoking now is the best thing you can do to ensure that you will have a healthier and brighter future. Think of your body as a precious gift that will allow you to reach your dreams in life. Take good care of it. Along with quitting smoking, start adapting healthy habits like regular exercise and proper diet. Hope these 5 steps can help you get started in your attempt to quit smoking.
