According to our source, “cold turkey” was first used in the 1920s in response to heroin addiction. It probably got its name from the cold sweating that kicks in when the withdrawal symptoms start and sallow skin resembling from that of a cold, dead turkey. Since then, the term has been coined to refer to any instant cessation from all forms of addiction and you should know that it is the best way to quit smoking.
The idea behind this method is to stop smoking without using any special quit smoking aids like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), herbs or medication. No gradual cessation, no help – you just stop right away. It’s not painful, although annoying, causing irritability but tolerable. At this point, we would also like to make it clear that cold turkey isn’t for everyone so if you fail using quitting cold turkey, do not be discouraged, there are other effective methods and ways to quit smoking. This site has provided you many different ways to quit smoking, browse and read them and hopefully one of these methods will help you become an ex-smoker.
Don’t ever think that quitting cold turkey serves as a punishment just because you didn’t let yourself adjust gradually. Actually, it’s not as bad as you may think. There’s no way to quit smoking the easy way. If there’s one, then there would be no smokers left at all. It’s either you quit or not – simple as that. Smoking less doesn’t mean that you’re no longer smoking, that’s why majority of the quit smoking aids and programs have failed to deliver their purpose; to help smokers quit.
So if you have decided to quit, just commit yourself to quit, have a strong desire and determination then start quitting, simple as that. You also need to preoccupy yourself, do some painting or pick up new hobbies just to keep you from thinking about it. Although you might find different alternatives or ways to quit smoking, keep in mind that the cheapest, most effective and best way to quit smoking is quitting cold turkey.
To increase your chances of success using this method, you may also try at the same time self-hypnosis, self-suggestion or autosuggestion. Listen to recorded audio, and read written affirmations so it will help you realign yourself even while you’re asleep. This method is popular, proven already by countless of people who succeeded in quitting. Again, remember, cold turkey will work well if you accompany it with a hobby or something that will make you busy. Drink plenty of water to ward off your nicotine cravings. It’s a good habit and you can do it as often as you need without the worry of developing another bad habit thus saving you also from gaining weight.
You also need to connect to people who share the same goals as you do. Nothing feels like you’re not alone in your cause. Share your pain and hear their stories. Support group will help you a lot in terms of encouragement to stick to your plans no matter how difficult it seems to be. It’s not a short-term process. If after six months you feel the need to smoke again, then all you have to do is revisit your group and ask their advices.
It’s really hard to quit smoking these days especially if you hang out with friends or co-workers who are smokers themselves. It could mean giving up the Saturday night good times in hope to evade them. You may choose to avoid going out during the first few days when your quitting. But if you have conditioned your mind properly, going out with friends who are smokers won’t be a problem, just make sure you won’t fall into the temptation to light one. There are varying opinion about this, but to be sure ask yourself if you could control your urge in the company of smokers or not.
You will have full control when you quit cold turkey. You will undergo the withdrawal stage without the use of any quit smoking aids. By doing this, you will experience how your body heals itself as the urges go weak as each day passes by. This is the reason why most people who quit cold turkey have less chances of having a relapse because they develop a strong self-control during the withdrawal stage. And the most important of all, quitting cold turkey is the least expensive method or way to quit.
Now you see why quit cold turkey is the best way to quit smoking. Whether it’s today or tomorrow, the decision depends on you so act now and quit smoking today!
