How to coach someone through nicotine withdrawal

By Ian Jackson

Many people think that smoking is purely a physical addiction. It is not. It is only partly due to physical conditioning. Smoking is also a choice. It is a process that an individual has to actively choose to do. They choose to take the cigarette from the packet, they choose to light up and they decide at what point they put the cigarette out. Granted, they may have become so conditioned to smoke that it feels almost automatic, but there is always a conscious component to the habit. 

As a hypnotherapist, my job is to unravel and amend the psychological conditions that cause people to smoke. The good news is however, that once a smoker understands the underlying causes of the mental conditioning, it is much easier for them to overcome them.

Whilst I feel it is crucially important to emphasize the need to overcome the psychological aspect of the habit, it would be wrong to dismiss the physiological aspect altogether. 

For the vast majority of smokers, once they decide to quit, they will have to endure a period of nicotine withdrawal. Thankfully, the physical withdrawal from nicotine is short lived, but it can be uncomfortable while it lasts.

During the early phase of smoking cessation the symptoms can be closely related to the sensations of having a cold or mild flu. But as we all know (even the men amongst us) colds and the flu do go away, and we do live to tell the tale.

By understanding what is likely to happen to someone when they quit smoking, and by following the tips that follow, it becomes far easier to coach someone through the difficult early stages of nicotine withdrawal.

Here are some of the common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Bear in mind that whilst most people will experience some of these, it is rare to experience them all. Each person goes through this phase of recovery from nicotine addiction a little differently. But for most people, these discomforts are short-lived.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings to smoke
Irritableness
Insomnia
Fatigue
Less ability to Concentrate
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Constipation, wind or stomach pain
Dryness of the mouth
Sore tongue and/or gums

Obviously most of the symptoms of withdrawal are unpleasant. So what can you do as a coach to help someone cope with these symptoms 

Just Remember the 5’D’s

• Encourage them to delay the urge to smoke until it passes - usually within 3 to 5 minutes.
• Teach them to distract themselves, by focusing on other task.
• Get them to drink water to fight off cravings.
• Encourage them to take deep breaths, and relax! Tell them to close their eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths.
• Discuss their feelings and support them by pointing out how much better they will feel in the long run.
  

 

Whatever happens, don't let nicotine withdrawal scare them. Remember, the nicotine withdrawal is a temporary phase of recovery. It doesn't last long and better days....much better days lie ahead of them. The fantastic feeling of freedom and control they'll get when they successfully beat the addiction is worth every bit of effort they give to quitting.

Helping someone to stop smoking is a real pleasure. Bear in mind though that ultimately the choice lies with them. Your job is to help and support them as much possible.

Helping someone to stop smoking is a real pleasure. Bear in mind though that ultimately the choice lies with them. Your job is to help and support them as much possible. 


For more information on how Hypnotherapy can help with the process, email ian@hypnostic.com