Smoking causes cancer, emphysema and heart disease. It's no secret that smoking deteriorates one's health, yet kicking the bad habit remains a difficult task. New research reveals how your own memories may make quitting even harder.
Researchers explain why many smokers urge to light up after meals, while drinking alcohol or driving home from work. The brain normally connects environmental cues with the things that support our existence, guiding healthy and successful lives. The brain rewards us when we act towards our well-being.
"However, nicotine commandeers this subconscious process in the brain so we begin to behave as though smoking is a positive action," Dr. John A. Dani, professor of neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine and co-author of the study was quoted as saying.
Nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes, creates stronger memories connecting environmental cues with smoking behavior. The environmental cues that are linked with smoking memories create an urge to smoke. Cues can vary from a long car drive to a social gathering.
The study recorded brain activity in mice exposed to nicotine. The mice were able to roam within two separate rooms. They were given nicotine in one room and a benign saline solution in the other. Researchers found the mice spent more time in the room providing nicotine.
"The brain activity change was just amazing," Dani was quoted as saying. "Compared to injections of saline, nicotine strengthened neuronal connections -- sometimes up to 200 percent." He explains that this memory study could potentially lead to treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The American Cancer Society offer tips to not only help you quit smoking but to stay quit. How can I get through rough spots after I stop smoking? For the first few days after you quit smoking, spend as much free time as possible in public places where smoking is not allowed. This includes places like libraries, malls, museums, theaters, restaurants without bars and churches.Don't drink alcohol, coffee and other drinks you link with smoking. Test out some other drinks instead. Try different types of waters or fruit juices. This may be the time to indulge in some interesting teas you have never tried.If you miss the feeling of having a cigarette in your hand, hold something else -- a pencil, a paper clip, a coin, or a marble, for example.If you miss the feeling of having something in your mouth, try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, sugarless gum, sugar-free lollipops or celery. Some people chew on a straw or stir stick.Avoid temptation -- stay away from situations you link with smoking.Find new habits and create a non-smoking environment around you.Be ready for future situations or crises that might make you want to smoke again, and think of all the important reasons you have decided to quit. To remind yourself of these reasons, you may want to post a picture of your children (or other people who are important to you) in your workplace. Or keep one handy in your purse or wallet.Take deep, rhythmic breaths to relax, and picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air.Remember your goal and the fact that the urges to smoke will lessen with time.Think positive thoughts about how awesome it is that you are quitting smoking and getting healthy -- try to avoid negative ones. Remember that quitting is a learning process. Be patient with yourself.Brush your teeth and enjoy that fresh taste.Exercise in brief bursts (alternate tensing and relaxing muscles, push-ups, deep knee bends, walk up a flight of stairs, or touch your toes).Call a supportive friend, family member, or a telephone stop-smoking counselor.Eat several small meals during the day instead of 1 or 2 large ones. This keeps your blood sugar levels steady, your energy balanced and helps prevent the urge to smoke. Avoid sugary or spicy foods that may trigger a desire for cigarettes.Above all, reward yourself for doing your best. Give yourself rewards often if that's what it takes to keep going. Plan to do something fun.
