- Fear of failure. Are you afraid that if you try and fail that this means you will never succeed?
- Challenge this fear: The fact is that people who quit more often are more likely to be successful. NOT that those that fail a few times never become non-smokers! Think of other things you have learned to do in your life – were you good at it the first time you did it? More than likely you had to practice before you were good at it.
- Withdrawal symptoms. Many people fear withdrawal symptoms. They fear that uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms will never go away.
- Challenge this fear: Although it varies from person to person, all withdrawal symptoms get better over time. The fact is that fatigue, irritability, cravings, and loss of concentration go away the longer you are a non-smoker. There are new quit smoking medicines available to ease withdrawal symptoms. You may not yet have found the right quit plan for you!
- Weight gain. Many people fear weight gain.
- Challenge this fear: The majority of people who quit gain only five to eight pounds. Some people do gain more. But, some people do not. Once you have quit, you will have better lung function and a greater feeling of fitness. You can walk more. You can exercise longer. You will have a much better chance of losing weight once you become a non-smoker.
- Depression. Some people fear feeling down or blue after quitting. Smoking or tobacco use may feel like a friend or like a very rewarding activity.
- Challenge this fear: Is tobacco the only way to cope with feeling down or blue? Are there new hobbies that could replace the rewards of smoking? Some smokers need extra social support from others who are quitting. You can explore getting more support from other avenues to get the encouragement you need. Think of how proud you will feel when you have become a non-smoker! If you feel depressed and it doesn’t go away, you can talk to your doctor to get help. Tobacco use doesn’t cure depression. There may be new, healthier ways to make yourself feel better that you have not yet explored!
- Enjoyment of tobacco. Some people fear losing the enjoyable feeling from using tobacco. They fear they will always miss the pleasure they get from smoking or tobacco use.
- Challenge this fear: You can find support in friends and family members. You can also find others who have quit smoking. Did you know that more than 46 million people have quit smoking? And the next one is you!
- Lack of support. Some people fear that they don't have enough support to help them through the quitting process.
- Challenge this fear: You already have additional support from your coach. Utilize your coach as much as you need to. Once you have gone through the most difficult parts of quitting, you can slowly reduce your use of coaching. You can also find others you know who have quit smoking. Did you know that more than 46 million people have quit smoking? And the next one is you!
- Being around others who smoke. Some people fear being around other people who smoke. They fear they will never be able to be around other's who smoke.
- Challenge this fear: Most people find that avoiding these situations in the early stages of quitting are helpful. This doesn't mean that you can never be around smokers. Actually, once you are a nonsmoker, you may find that you don't want to be around the smoke and may find other ways to engage with your friends and family.
- Not understanding quitting treatment options. Some people fear that they don't know or understand all of the options that can help them quit.
- Challenge this fear: You have a wealth of information on this website. You also have a coach who can explain the various options to you in more detail. Remember, knowledge is power. Find out what you don't know and ask your coach or doctor your remaining questions.
References
Fiore MC, Jaén CR, Baker TB, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Clinical Practice Guideline. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Public Health Service. May 2008.