by Kenneth Capek, MPA, RRT
Smoker: I like to smoke.
Respiratory Therapist: Yes because nicotine is an addictive drug and you want to feel “normal”. The problem is you really don’t need it and nobody wants to be a slave to a drug, especially one that’s killing them. Think of it this way; the fly really enjoys the nectar of the Venus Flytrap or Pitcher plant. But then the plant captures and starts to devourer the fly. Don’t be the fly. Get out while you can.
Smoker: I tried to quit and failed. It’s hopeless.
Respiratory Therapist: One important step in the success formula is persistence. The average number of attempts for smokers before quitting successfully is 7-8. Be positive and believe you will eventually succeed. Learn from previous attempts and the odds of success will improve! If your child fell off their bike on their first attempt to ride it would you give up and sell the bike?
Smoker: I’m too stressed to quit.
Respiratory Therapist: I believe you. Life can be stressful but being addicted to a drug that requires a fix every 1-2 hours is added stress. Smokers are anxious people. People tend to deal with normal stress in their lives better without the added stress of a drug addiction.
Smoker: I’m scared.
Respiratory Therapist: Most people are afraid of change, no less breaking an addiction that is part physical and part psychological. The problem is if we want to live we must take a leap of faith and overcome our fear. Fear is like throwing sand into the gears of machinery, it stops working. We need to overcome fear to grow and learn and improve. Have faith in yourself, get support and make a plan of action.
Smoker: I can quit anytime I want.
Respiratory Therapist: Sure. Then why not now. It’s important to realize that all the time you have smoked you had to justify your behavior. It’s called rationalization or telling yourself “rational lies”. First change your beliefs and what you are telling yourself. A modern version of a 1600-year-old Buddhist canon states;
- Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
- Watch your words, for they become actions.
- Watch your actions, for they become habits.
- Watch your habits, for they become character.
- Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny!
Smoker: I’m just an addict and to more than nicotine.
Respiratory Therapist: Addiction is a disease. No one chooses to become reliant on substances or harmful behavior patterns. No one plans to become a life-long smoker. Instead, we get caught in these behaviors and activities because we lack self-awareness and knowledge about nicotine addiction. We fear the unknown and maybe we fear life itself. Addictions and drugs are often an escape from pain and boredom. The position of the National Institute on Drug Abuse is that smoking cessation does not interfere with recovery from other substance abuse disorders and may even help in recovery.
Smoker: What if I relapse?
Respiratory Therapist: It’s okay. Start again. The golden rule of addiction is that you can never have a single cigarette again (88% risk of starting up again). Basically you’re on probation the rest of your life but in time it will get much easier, but be on guard at weddings, funerals and especially when drinking alcohol.
From Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use & Dependence
- Ask – Every patient if they smoke or use tobacco?
- Advise – To quit.
- Assess – Are they ready to quit at this time?
- Assist – Educate patients to the dangers of smoking and the need to quit – provide materials, motivate. Recommend pharmacotherapy & counseling.
- Arrange – Follow up for out-patient counseling.
