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Quitting Takes Determination
Tobacco use is difficult to stop. You have to be ready to face this challenge before you commit to quit. The Quitting Calendar will point you to step by step exercises that prepare you for your quit date.
As you get ready to quit, think of yourself as an athlete getting ready for the Olympics. Athletes do mental and physical exercises to prepare themselves for the big day. Those who are mentally and physically ready for the challenge are the ones who succeed.
Anyone who has tried to quit using tobacco knows that it takes willpower and determination. Why is it so difficult to quit? Tobacco products contain an addictive substance called nicotine. Nicotine acts on your brain and affects your moods and actions. Tobacco use is not just a habit; it’s an addiction. Chances are if you are currently smoking or chewing tobacco daily, you are probably addicted to nicotine.
Scientists believe that nicotine and other addictive substances change brain chemicals. Increased brain chemical levels may be responsible for the pleasurable feelings you have when you use tobacco. Your body becomes used to increased brain chemicals. When you stop using tobacco those brain chemical levels go down, and you feel bad. This is called nicotine withdrawal. It is not because you are weak-willed but because long-term exposure to nicotine changes your brain and the way it works.
See Withdrawal Symptoms for more information.