Quit Smoking Now: Help is on the Way

By Jill Bassett, D.M.D

“I smoke because I can't quit.” “

I told myself that I enjoyed smoking, that smoking relaxed me, that it was my reward for a job well done. I now know that those thoughts were the lies of the addiction.”

“It was really hard for me to admit that I am a nicotine addict.”

“I began smoking when I was about 12 years old just to try it out thinking that I looked cool and that I was really getting away with something. As my use continued my addiction grew. It got to the point that I used nicotine as my drug of choice to get me through a lot of situations in my life. I smoked on and off for the next 30 years until at the end it consumed me.”

“I tried to hide my smoking because I didn't want anyone to think I was stupid enough to smoke. I used a lot of perfume and mouthwash to try to hide the smell. I tried to keep my distance from others so they wouldn't smell me. I lied about my smoking and would drive around just so I could smoke. I tried to quit many times, but always went back to smoking when stress was heavy in my life, or when it was time to celebrate something special. I tried the patch, hypnosis, and will power, but nothing worked. Until I started going to Nicotine Anonymous.”

“My health is beginning to be affected by my smoking. I have a cough and have trouble swallowing. My teeth are stained and my gums are infected. I'm having trouble breathing and my doctor says I have COPD, a chronic lung condition. I'm slowly killing myself. I feel horrible about my smoking and know I need to quit, but can't do it on my own.”

“I had cancer in my lungs and had to have surgery. The doctors had to remove one of my lungs and the first thing I wanted when I came out of the anesthetic was a cigarette.”

“I used to smoke, but now I use chewing tobacco. My gums have pulled away and I want to quit, but I can't.”

The above stories and those similar to it are heard in Nicotine Anonymous meetings all around the country. Nicotine Anonymous is a Twelve Step Program for men and women that are addicted to nicotine. Nicotine Anonymous has adapted the Twelve Steps from Alcoholics Anonymous and is a spiritual approach to first gaining and then maintaining freedom from nicotine. The program consists of The Twelve Steps, The Twelve Traditions and Five Tools; meetings, sponsorship, the literature, the phone list, and service. The only requirement for membership is the desire to live nicotine free. Newcomers are encouraged to study, understand and make use of the benefits of the first three steps. By admitting we are powerless over nicotine, by coming to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, and by making a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power, we take the first steps along our path to freedom, joy and serenity. The Steps are a process of self-discovery and a journey toward spiritual peace. Everything in the program is suggested; nothing is required except having the desire to live nicotine free. It is a process that each member takes at his or her own pace.

Coming to meetings gives group support to the members. As members share at meetings they experience acceptance and support. The phone list is for those who are willing to offer and receive support between meetings. The literature includes many pamphlets and two books written by recovering nicotine users. Rereading the literature at a different stage of abstinence and recovery can sometimes provide new insights. Sponsors are members committed to abstinence and are willing to share their experience on a one-to-one basis. Service is the action of carrying the message of recovery to other nicotine users.

Nicotine is actually a pesticide that is highly addictive both physically and psychologically. The physical withdrawal usually only lasts a few days. The psychological withdrawal is where the Twelve Step Program helps. Many long-term members of Nicotine Anonymous will tell you that their desire to use nicotine is gone. You may still be using nicotine to attend the meetings. The meetings last for one hour. Presently there are three meetings in the Louisville area. The Louisville Wellness Center at 10003 Taylorsville Road hosts one meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. and another one on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The third meeting is hosted in Jeffersonville , Indiana at The Lifespring Community Room on Spring Street across from The Comeback Inn. For more information call Jill at 502-439-5940.

Jill Bassett, DMD is a Native of Louisville, Ky. She is a Periodontist in private practice in Louisville , Ky. since 1990 and the Owner of The Louisville Wellness Center since 2000. Dr. Bassett has a Natural Wellness Certificate from Clayton College of Natural Health 2005 and is an Active member of Nicotine Anonymous since 2002. She is married with two children.