The Psychology of Smoking
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: November 18, 2010
We all know that there are physical withdrawal symptoms when a smoker tries to kick the habit. And getting past that is just half the battle.
Del Camp is the Director of Clinical Services at Ozark Center. He said, "After the first couple of weeks, then you're really for the most part looking at the psychological piece and that becomes the most difficult part."
First, it can be social. Added Camp, "We typically tend to take smoke breaks at work. And there are typically three or four people who go out on smoke breaks."
And it's a habit - with constant reminders reinforcing that urge. Camp said, "Whether you're filling up your car with gas - look and see an ad for cigarettes or tobacco products. Or you're in a restraurant seated next to smoking section. If you're trying to quit, the smell of it, sight of other people smoking and enjoying their smoke."
Studies show on average it takes four to seven quit attempts before the switch is successful. But your odds double if you go to a smoking cessation class. Added Camp, "If one you join some sort of a class. And you can double it again by using some kind of nicotine replacement therapy."
You can find out more through the Freeman Freedom from Smoking class, an eight session weekly class. Call (417) 347-7600 for more information.
