Vallarta's Juvenile Integration Center Offers Advice and Smoking Cessation Sessions Psychologist Beatriz Barron Hernandez - Juvenile Integration Center
April 22, 2015

Having trouble quitting smoking? Here's some good advice.

There are many ways to quit smoking and many resources to help you. Family members, friends and working partners can be a great support, however to succeed you must be willing to quit smoking. Most people who have had success quitting smoking had at least tried once and not succeeded in the past. Try not to see those tries as failures but as learning experiences. It is difficult to quit smoking however anybody can do it.

Are you ready to quit smoking?

First of all set a date and quit smoking that whole day.

Before that date, you can start by reducing the number of cigarettes, however you must remember there is no such thing as harmless number of cigarettes. Make a list of why you want to quit smoking. Include benefits in short and long term. Tell every friend, family member and working partners your plan of quitting smoking and the date you'll be willing to start. This can help because people around you will know what you are going through and your mood changes as well. Get rid of all cigarettes just before starting and clean any smelly clothes and furniture. Get rid of ashtrays or other related objects.

Make a plan

Make a plan of what you will be doing instead of having a smoke in very specific situations. For example, have a cup of tea instead of coffee, since tea will not make you want a cigarette, or for instance go for a walk if stressed. Instead of ashtrays and cigarettes in the automobile you can put cookies or candies. Pretend you're smoking by using a wooden stick in your mouth. Find some activities using your hands and mind, but warning these activities must be done to get exhausted not fat. For instance you can play on your computer, sew, solve crossword puzzles as well as doing sports, going to the movies, etc.
 
Changing you life

Make some changes in your life style. For example change schedules and daily habits. Eat various times a day instead of 3 big meals. Sit in a different chair or even use a different room. Satisfy your oral habits in different ways. Eat celery and other low calorie snacks. Have some sugar free chewing gum or have a cinnamon stick. Attend to public places and restaurants where it is prohibited to smoke. Avoid eating too much candy or sweetened meals. Work out. Walk or ride a bike. Exercise can get rid of the willing to smoke.

Establish some goals

Establish some goals when quitting smoking on a short term and reward yourself when accomplished. You can save every day the amount of money you would be spending if buying cigarettes. Then you can buy something you like. Take one day at a time. One simple smoke can increase the desire of continuing smoking. However it is O.K. to make mistakes. Even if you smoke one cigarette it does not mean you will be smoking the next.

Other advice

Join a smoking cessation program. These are frequently offered by hospitals and community centers. You can also learn about self-hypnosis or other techniques. Ask your doctor about medicines that can help you quit nicotine and tobacco and prevent relapse. Find out about patches, chewing gum and nicotine sprays.

If you can not quit smoking the first time do not be sad about it. Nicotine addiction is a difficult habit to break. Try something different next time. Develop new strategies and try over again. Many people have tried many times until finally quitting smoking.

In the Juvenile Integration Center (Centros de Integración Juvenil), Puerto Vallarta, we have a 10 session treatment to quit smoking. Join us now!

For more information, our telephone number (322) 290-0555 and 290-0568. Email is cijpuertovallarta@cij.gob.mx. The Juvenile Integration Center is located at Durango #479 (corner of Jalisco) in the Mojoneras Colony of Puerto Vallarta.

Psychologist Beatriz Barrón Hernández. Juvenile Integration Center Director.
 
Translated by Karla Beatriz Martínez Barrón

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