News

Relating to Nico”Teen”? Here are some ways to quit

Lillian Martin, News Editor
February 2, 2018

If you found yourself relating to “Nico’teen'”, a story published in Knight Writers issue three, here are some tips on how to end a nicotine addiction.

Quitting cold turkey may seem easy in theory, but for avid nicotine users, that method may feel nearly impossible. However, don’t let that discourage you; slowly weaning off of nicotine has proven effective for many, and will eventually lead to completely quitting. Try setting a limit to the amount of times you use your e-cigarette each day, and lowering the limit at your own pace, setting goals for yourself.
Finding something to replace the nicotine is important in the process of quitting. Some people find that simply sipping cold water through a straw is effective for them, others take up a new hobby. See what works best for you, and once you find something that’s healthy and effective, stick with it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Putting a stop to any addiction is extremely difficult to accomplish alone, so enlisting friends or family for support could help tremendously. Finding someone who will hold you accountable during this commitment will lessen your chance of a relapse, and help keep you on track of your goals. If you have a friend who is also addicted to nicotine, asking them to quit with you is a great idea.
Make sure to surround yourself with people who will help you make positive choices. Whether it’s admitted or not, most teenagers fall victim to peer pressure. Trying to quit can be difficult if you are surrounded by people who are telling you not to, so during the process of quitting, it may be better to distance yourself from people who are still avidly consuming nicotine around you.
If you decide to quit, you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. This can include hunger, mood swings, trouble sleeping, etc. Past nicotine addicts say that after the third day of no nicotine, the withdrawal symptoms start to fade. Having a good amount of patience will help you overcome the worst parts of the withdrawal stage.