How to Quit Nicotine: Support and Resources from Bronson
Are You Ready to Quit Nicotine?
Whether you’re on this journey alone as a mission of self-improvement, getting talked into quitting by a significant other or best friend or just tired of catching that glare from others when you do it in public - you decided to read this article for a reason. Whatever your reason is, at Bronson, we are here to support you as you journey away from being a smoker, vaper, chewer, nicotine pouch user, snuffer or hookah user. Whatever method you’re using to get nicotine, we’re here to help you quit!
The Dopamine Trap
Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs out there, right next to cocaine and caffeine. (Don’t worry, I’m not going after your triple whip non-dairy mochaccino!). When nicotine enters your brain - whether by smoking, vaping, using oral products or even the patches and lozenges we use to help people quit - it releases a chemical called dopamine. You may have heard of dopamine before; it’s one of the body’s “pleasure chemicals.” Dopamine affects mood and motivation and acts as a reward when something enjoyable happens. A runner’s high, an amazing sandwich or a great massage are examples of things that can trigger the release of dopamine. Once your brain realizes it has easy access to this feel-good chemical, it wants more, and often.
A lot of my patients say they can’t quit because they’re too stressed. But let’s think about it: nicotine will not make your boss give you less work, a vape puff will not make the person in front of you stop driving under the speed limit and a cigarette will not pay your past-due bill.
Nicotine may feel like a quick stress reliever, but there are better, healthier ways to improve your mood without relying on it.
It’s Not Just Your Lungs at Risk
We know nicotine affects more than just the brain. These days, people are rarely surprised to hear that smoking and vaping lead to lung diseases like cancer and emphysema (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, if you’re hip to acronyms). Other risks include bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction and premature aging of the skin. Nicotine also puts you at higher risk for oral, throat and stomach cancers. If you use chew or pouches, you're also signing up for dental disease - and that’s a big bummer.
Your Quit Journey Starts Here
But there is hope! We have plenty of ways to support people who are ready to quit. Just being open to the idea is a great start, and Bronson would love to be your cheerleader. Your Bronson provider can help connect you with a counselor or support group, talk about nicotine replacement therapy or discuss medications that have been proven to help people quit. You can also find support from former smokers and nicotine users in your life. Set up a Quit Buddy - they are often happy to share how much better they feel since quitting.
Reach out to a Bronson provider like me, and we will provide judgement free help on your quitting journey.
