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SHAME - Doesn't help, and I believe it actually harms, since it causes smokers to question their self-worth and self-efficacy. Think about it. If we make smokers feel foolish or weak for smoking, have we made it easier for them to be successful at quitting?
BLAME - There's enough to go around. Here are the "responsible parties" as I see it... 1.) Our government taxes addicted people and cuts funding to quit programs. In Massachusetts it was a 95% budget cut to what may have been the most successful tobacco prevention program in the country. And on THE VERY SAME DAY the Governor signed a bill to DOUBLE the tax on each pack of cigarettes sold. That would seem to suggest that the government has become addicted to tobacco tax revenue and has stopped serving as an agent of public health. 2.) Media companies who make $ix and $even figure agreements to secure tobacco products preferential placement in TV and movies are increasing smoking rates, especially among teens. They know it. The tobacco industry knows it (or they wouldn't be willing to pay for the "product placement.") 3.) The tobacco industry who has never told the truth about the health consequences of smoking, and has been trying to hide the truth about their product for decades. They increase nicotine levels in their product and add more and more chemicals each year in order to "enhance customer satisfaction." They also employ what is arguably the most effective group of political lobbyists on the planet, hence to spectacular LACK of regulation on an industry that kills 1200 Americans daily. 4.) And of course, there's the smoker who knows that tobacco is killing them but continues smoking. BUT... Once again, I question the value of blaming the smoker - Isn't it rather like shooting the hostage? Regardless of how they became "trapped," the only beneficial goal is to help them become free! I'm NOT saying that the smoker isn't responsible. I'm saying that shaming and blaming them will NOT bring a positive outcome. An overwhelming majority of smokers I know are already beating themselves up about smoking. Your eye rolling, judgmental, scolding comments could in fact be what convinces them that they're hopeless. And you know what? When a person believes that they're hopeless, they are. If you can't say anything encouraging, please shut up. So let's stop the SHAME and the BLAME, and focus on the object of the GAME- Getting help for smokers who are ready to try to quit. As your state and federal legislators are contemplating higher taxes on tobacco products be sure to call them and demand that more of the tobacco taxes go toward tobacco prevention and cessation services. Don't let them snow you with "offsetting tobacco related health costs." That isn't helping reduce the number of smokers. That's just paying for the health care costs that will continue to rise UNTIL WE REDUCE THE SMOKING RATE by providing high quality programs to help smokers who are ready to quit.
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When we're have a flat tire we usually do two things. First we remove the defective tire, but none of us would think of hopping into the driver's seat and driving away at that point. No, there's another essential step; put on a good tire! I realize that may sound painfully obvious to you, but when it comes to quitting, too many of us remove the bad tire (habit) and try to drive off! We can't just remove, we need to replace. Cigarettes served a purpose (several, probably) and we will need some new ways to fill those voids. Tobacco, even while it was robbing and killing us, kept our hands busy, helped fill our time, distracted us from various feelings, gave us something to do! We need a new tire that will do all of those things (without filling our lungs with arsenic and polonium.)
When it comes to finding new healthy activities or hobbies, think - "Hands, Head, Heart." Activities that keep our heads and hands busy while lifting our heart (mood) are ideal! Think about the HHH activities that you might find pleasurable. If you try an activity and it doesn't quite make your apple turn over, try another one. Don't be afraid to spend a little of that Ciggy Bank money trying out a new hobby. Take an introductory class, buy a few tools and materials for your new hobby. It's OK to spend a little dough - you're worth it! When you chose a HHH activity, drop me a note and let me know how it's going. I love to be able to share other quitters' good ideas! Here are some of my favorite HHH activities I've heard from quitting friends: Quitting, Sitting, Knitting - "I'm sitting in my new lawn glider (thanks, ciggy bank!) knitting for my grand kids." Gardening - "Yard work doesn't wear me out like it used to! Weeding keeps my head and hands busy. My time in the garden feels like therapy and we're saving money on the grocery bill too!" Kayaking - "I bought a kayak and all the go-withs (paddles, vests, helmets) with just a couple months of ciggy bank loot. My teens and I have never had more fun together! We're out on the water almost every weekend." Stained Glass - "I've always thought working with stained glass would be interesting, but I never felt right about spending the money on myself. But now I realize that I'm worth it and this new habit is WAY better for me! I'm not an expert yet, but I've already started making Christmas gifts with my own two hands. 'Can't teach an old dog new tricks? Horsefeathers!" I hope you are taking good care of you! Feel free anytime to email me about any specific trouble you're having with your quit plan. I'm glad to help whenever I can. I'm also on Twitter if you wish to follow me there: @BESOCHEMPS |
About Besochemps
It has been my privilege to usher thousands of folks through the process of quitting tobacco. You can find me on Twitter too! Archives
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