Are you also troubled by tobacco or cigarette addiction and every effort to quit it is failing? If your answer is 'yes', then don't panic. Recently, a leading neurologist has revealed three scientific and easy ways to quit tobacco, which are capable of eradicating this addiction from its roots by changing the functioning of your brain. Tobacco addiction is not just a habit, but it is a chemical process related to the 'reward system' of our brain. When we inhale tobacco, the brain releases dopamine, which makes us feel good. Breaking that dopamine cycle is the only solution to get rid of this addiction, and it is possible with these three methods.
Method One: Use the 'Dopamine Re-direction' Technique
Neurologists believe that the craving for tobacco often arises when the brain needs stimulation. This is called 'trigger'. To overcome the craving for tobacco, you will have to compensate for that dopamine deficiency with some other healthy alternative. Whenever you have a craving for tobacco, immediately do some physical activity for 5 minutes—like walking briskly, taking deep breaths, or eating something crispy or healthy (like roasted chickpeas or carrots). This sends a signal to the brain that the craving has been replaced with an activity that is more rewarding. Gradually, your brain becomes addicted to the dopamine received from these activities instead of nicotine and the craving for tobacco automatically starts reducing.
Another way: adopt the 'awareness gap' or 10 minute rule
A major characteristic of tobacco addiction is that it comes in the form of 'impulse'. Neurologists say that a strong desire or 'craving' for tobacco usually lasts only for 10 to 15 minutes. If you can somehow avoid these 10 minutes, then that wave calms down automatically. This is called 'awareness gap'. The next time you feel a craving, look at the clock and tell yourself, “I will not have one for the next 10 minutes.” During this time, drink water, talk to someone or start some work. When you break that 10-minute cycle, your pre-frontal cortex (the logical part of the brain) gets activated and you overcome that addictive impulse.
Method Three: Identifying triggers and changing the environment
Tobacco use is often linked to specific circumstances—such as with tea in the morning, during times of stress, or while chatting with friends. Neurologists say that if you don't recognize your 'triggers', you will never be able to break the addiction. Monitor your behavior and note in a diary when and why you want to use tobacco. When you realize that 'tea' or 'stress' is your trigger, you can change that situation. For example, if you take tobacco with tea, stop drinking tea for a few weeks or replace it with coffee or juice. Remove from your environment anything that reminds you of tobacco, such as lighters, ashtrays or cigarette packets.
Neurology and balance of willpower
Quitting addiction is not just a game of willpower, but a task of retraining your neurons. When you follow these three methods, you are actually weakening the neural pathways in your brain that promote addiction. This process doesn't happen overnight, but with consistency your brain rewires itself within 21 to 40 days. Once you are free from this addiction, not only your health improves, but you also notice a tremendous change in your concentration and mental clarity.
Prepare yourself for the long haul
Even after getting rid of tobacco addiction, sometimes 'withdrawal symptoms' may be felt such as irritability, increased appetite or insomnia. These are signs that your body is flushing out poisons. During this time, keep yourself hydrated, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. If you are having too much trouble, nicotine replacement therapy (such as gum or patches) can be used on doctor's advice, but these three scientific methods should always remain the foundation. Remember, you are not a slave to your habits, but you have all the power to change them. Get started today and take your first steps toward a healthy life.