11 Lame Excuses Not To Quit Smoking And How to Handle Them

This is an article I originally planned on writing 2 years ago. It all started when my friend D. came up with every excuse in the book not to stop smoking. Eventually, she managed to quit (thanks to Allen Carr) and I forgot about it. Yesterday, however, my colleague at work used exactly the same phrases and lame excuses to get rid of the peer pressure. That is why I really feel obliged to write it out this time and sincerely hope she takes the time to read through this. I just care too much not to go into this and let’s hope you feel the same.

1. I love my smoke

Just ask yourself, as a smoker, if you could return to that moment right before you lit your first cigarette, would you? If the answer is yes, the time is now.

2. I can’t quit

Maybe you don’t really want to, but of course you can! Every smoker will testify that cigarettes are as addictive as many hard drugs, but at the same time many ex-smokers prove every day that a life without cigarette is no longer a dream as long as you find the motivation within yourself to pursue getting rid of your addiction.

3. I don’t have the willpower

Willpower can only exist where motivation has gone before. First endow yourself with a strong wish to stop smoking. From this wish, willpower can grow. Try to list all negative effects smoking has on your life, from health impact to social impact and try to visualize this list when you are craving for your next cigarette.

4. I’m only a moderate smoker

Don’t underestimate the power of nicotine. Did you know that 30 to 50% of people who try a cigarette become habitual smokers? Cigarettes have a nasty habit of getting a grip on occasional smokers too. Each cigarette puff brings you closer to nicotine addiction.

5. Everybody smokes

In the US, about 23% of all men and 18% off all women are smokers. Globally, about one third of all people smokes cigarettes. While smoking might be the norm in your social circle, remember that anti-smoking laws and bans gain ground and make smoking less socially accepted than ever.

6. my grandfather was a heavy smoker and didn’t die of smoking

Call him one of the lucky few. Statistics show that half of the people who smoke don’t die from illnesses directly related to nicotine intoxication. You call this hopeful, I call it Russian roulette. Never forget that smoking not only impacts length but also quality of life.

7. I will get fat when I quit smoking

That’s totally up to you. If you exchange your cigarettes for food, weight gain is inevitable. However, the alternative is to relax, drink a glass of water and take a walk. Every time you feel like a snack, think by yourself you do have a choice. Free will is a gift, use it. By the way, ask men if they like a skinny woman who looks twice her age and has bad breath.

8. a cigarette brings me relaxation and peace of mind

This is probably the most frequently heard misconception about smoking. The craving for a cigarette is actually a stressful situation and creates a lot of unnecessary tension in your daily life. You smoke to end that built up tension time after time. There are tons of other ways to relax. Get a break from work and get some fresh air.

9. this is not a good time to quit

Yeah right, and tomorrow will be. There is no point in putting this off by hiding behind work stress or a relationship gone wrong. Vacation is probably the worst time to stop smoking, because you will feel a strong urge to start again as soon as new stress situations announce themselves. Quitting in a difficult period makes you even stronger and more confident towards a smoke-free future.

10. You will hate to be around me

No worries, we will tell you when you are getting too moody. To avoid misunderstanding, inform people around you that you are leaving your smoker’s life behind and I am sure they will understand and even support you. We all know moodiness is part of a process that takes about two or three weeks to complete. During this period, it is best to get enough sleep, exercise, healthy food and water. Once you are off your nicotine habit, we will love you again!