Do you think of yourself as a socialite but want to quit smoking? Are you worried about what to do at the next work function or smoke break at the office or plant? You might be worried trying to break your smoker's calendar might affect your social calendar, but it doesn't have to be the end of your socializing. This article should help to explain how you can continue to have a full social life without the need to smoke cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes.
What Are The Links Between Smoking And Alcohol?
Before we can advise you about that best ways to continue socialising while being smoke-free, we must point out the close link between drinking alcohol and smoking.
The government has found that up to 90% of people who have an alcohol addiction will also smoke. Furthermore, smokers have been found to be more likely to drink and have a 2.7 times greater risk of becoming dependent on alcohol than non-smokers do.
It’s generally important to understand that alcohol and nicotine both act on common mechanisms found in the human brain.
The chemical compound will enter the bloodstream as soon as you have a cigarette which will then be transported to your brain rapidly. Once there, the nicotine will stimulate the brain by creating receptors which release chemicals that give a feeling of pleasure. These receptors will increase in number as smoking and vaping becomes prolonged and your brain will become reliant on nicotine in order to release these feel-good chemicals.
However, it’s important to note that the nicotine supply that is in your bloodstream will drop within 72 hours of your decision to quit smoking — but those receptors won’t disappear that quickly, so your brain’s chemistry will react to cause powerful cravings and strong emotional reactions. Persistence is key, as nicotine receptors will go away with time and your brain chemistry should be back to normal within three months of a quit.
When it comes to alcohol, researchers suspect that this substance fosters feeling of pleasure. If this is in fact true, it reinforces the effects of nicotine on the brain. There are suggestions that nicotine and alcohol will moderate each other’s effects on the brain due to the fact that nicotine stimulates while alcohol sedates.
How To Socialize When On A Quit-Smoking Journey
If you have taken the first step to quit, you may be wearing nicotine patches to help you break your addiction. However, the dilemma of socializing in a scenario which would usually coincide with you having a cigarette may still be a very hard situation. Here is how to stick to your goals and still have a good time.
Don’t Put It Off
Don’t delay going out for a social drink if you are having doubts. You can still do everything you did as a smoker as a former smoker. Holding off too long from social drinking after quitting can create a sense of intimidation. Plus, socializing with friends is an important part of your life. The sooner you teach yourself how to enjoy a drink or two without a cigarette, the sooner you will feel like your life is back to normal.
Have A Pep Talk With Yourself
Your cravings for a cigarette may well be triggered if you go somewhere you normally go to enjoy a drink. Before leaving the house or in the car, be mentally prepared by saying aloud, “I am a former smoker.” Or try, “I don’t smoke. I am healthier and happier without cigarettes.” The main point is to remind yourself that you are a former smoker and that you don’t need to light up anymore.
Try To Organize A Social Get-Together Where Smoking Isn’t Allowed
Why not invite your group of friends to your house instead of going to a place where people are likely to be smoking? You can celebrate your smoke-free success with them. You will be able to control what is served which can help stop those triggers and completely avoid cigarettes in your smoke-free home.
Enjoy Time With Non-Smokers
It will certainly help to be around non-smokers and those friends who will support your decision to quit. Who you choose to hang out with can help support your ex-smoking status. Slip-ups can occur when quitters are in the company of other smokers or vapers who may not be aware of how to support their quit attempt.
Ask A Quit Buddy To Join You
Having a quit buddy can prove extremely helpful. This could be a friend or family member, so make sure you invite them to the event you plan to attend. Should you encounter old smoking friends who ask you to join them, make sure they are aware of your situation, so they can be respectful. Not only that, you will also have your quit buddy to hang out with.
Quitting smoking doesn't have to be the end of your social life. We wish you the best on your quit-smoking journey.
I hope you enjoyed this article about how to continue being a socialite while quitting smoking cigarettes or ecigarettes.
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