Author: Dr. David Busby

Key takeaways Dopamine release in smoking addiction explained. Nicotine triggers dopamine, reinforcing smoking habit. Weaning off nicotine can restore dopamine levels. Other activities like gaming and food can also trigger dopamine release. Stabilize dopamine through exercise, sleep, and music. Whenever you feel good after doing something difficult, like winning a tournament or completing a painting, you release neurotransmitters called dopamine. It is the natural reward system of the human body and one of the primary components of addiction.Nicotine is a catalyst that releases dopamine in the system, and while nicotine itself does not cause harm, it is the reason smokers…

Key takeaways Spirituality Can Ease Psychological and Emotional Dependence on Smoking Self-Reflection: Recognizing and Forgiving, Breaking Addiction Patterns Prayer and Meditation Foster Concentration Skills Recognizing Faults and Self-Awareness Improvement Spirituality in Quitting Programs and Organizations Smokers who frequently reflect on events in their lives might have a better chance of stopping smoking because they are more in tune with themselves. Their self-reflection makes them see the causes and effects of their actions and be mindful of them. A significant part of smoking cessation is much easier if you’re naturally reflective, meditative and mindful. Does it also mean that spiritual and meditative…

Key takeaways Smoking cessation demands high self-control efforts. Failures build resilience and enhance self-control. Self-control aids stress management after quitting. Improve self-control with clear goals and support. Expert help and NRT options boost success. We all have an ideal version of ourselves that we know we can easily achieve if we just stop procrastinating, list our goals, and actually follow through. But discipline isn’t something easily learned or acquired by the average person, let alone someone trying to quit the incredibly hard-to-break habit of smoking.Self-control is the ability to regulate everything in yourself to meet your daily milestones, all the way…

Key takeaways Smoking affects relationships; discomfort arises from differences. Timing and approach crucial when discussing quitting. Support, patience, and understanding essential for success. Consider outdoor, cultural, culinary, and fitness activities. Seek professional help, set goals, and prioritize health. Smoking is a crucial topic when it comes to relationships, particularly if only one half is a smoker – sometimes, it can even cause breakups.Can you ask your date to stop smoking? And, if so, how do you ask them to stop? In today’s post, we will discuss if it’s okay to tell a smoker you’re dating to stop smoking and when and…

Key takeaways Smoking doesn’t enhance creativity; it’s a misconception. Artists may mistake nicotine cravings for creative impulses. Exercise, mindfulness, nature, and diverse experiences foster creativity. Artists benefit from creative peers promoting a smoke-free lifestyle. Creativity flourishes when breaking free from nicotine dependence. It’s a common sight to see a painter, writer, or musician lighting up a cigarette, especially in movies and photographs. In popular media, these characters are often shown as dark, depressed and prone to smoking, drinking, and substance abuse.But, is this an accurate representation? Does everyone, including the artists, believe that smoking and other addictions are essential to…

Key takeaways Smoking doesn’t relax; it fuels nicotine withdrawals. Dependence on nicotine leads to intense cravings. Stress from smoking affects blood pressure and adrenaline. Mental health risks, especially for older adults. Physical health risks include weakened immunity and bones. What was the reason you first smoked a cigarette? It probably wasn’t for relaxation or stress relief.Most smokers claim that the ‘high’ that comes from smoking helps to relieve them of their daily stresses, but the ‘lightheadedness’ actually comes from inhaling thousands of chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogenic. Smoking doesn’t help you relax. What you’re actually feeling is temporary relief from…

Key takeaways Smoking after 40 increases health risks significantly. Heart disease, lung cancer, and COPD risks. Accelerated aging, respiratory issues, slower healing. Arthritis, osteoporosis, and eye diseases risks. Quitting smoking improves health and quality of life. As we grow older, the aches in our bodies start worsening and are not as easily shrugged off. Most people over 40 aren’t as agile, strong, and sharp as they previously were. More dangerously so, our body’s immune system has significantly deteriorated by this age. By the way, we’re talking about the health status of people who don’t smoke – those who are still smoking have…

Key takeaways Smoking’s social impact shifts from positive to negative as you age. Continued smoking can affect job performance and opportunities. Family and social relationships may strain due to smoking. Smoking is a financial burden with increasing costs. Quitting smoking opens up missed opportunities. For most people, the social impact of smoking has always netted something positive during their young and carefree years. It made you look cool and fashionable, and you could talk to the other kids who also smoke and want to try new things.As you grow older, the social impact of continued smoking drastically becomes negative, because…

Key takeaways Smoking cessation groups offer crucial emotional understanding and support. Groups can provide various strategies to help quit smoking easily. Expert guidance and resources boost chances of quitting success. Cessation groups provide a judgement-free haven for sharing. Long-term resilience is vital; group support maintains success. A motivated smoker may find many goals to push them through to success. They might factor in how smoking has affected their children, or even their pets. Smokers trying to quit may also be concerned about the mountain of expenses caused by their habits.While motivation is needed to propel those trying to stop smoking…

Key takeaways GPs offer personalized plans and effective tools. Access nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and pharmacy vaping products. Effective assessments and adjustments during regular check-ins. GPs provide peace of mind and coping strategies. Experience and knowledge increase chances of success. Motivated people trying to quit smoking have access to all of the resources necessary to go through the quit process successfully. They can easily create a supportive environment that encourages them to stop smoking and can celebrate their wins and rewards with every milestone. But your friend, parent, or partner might not accurately assess your quitting progress or provide the best…