Why some people don’t want to quit smoking?

Anyone who has ever given up smoking will know how hard it is and will also know how much better they feel as a result. Yet, despite all the reasons for giving up, many don’t manage it and, for some, it is simply because they don’t want to quit smoking. There are many reasons for this, but some of the more common ones include the following:

Some people simply enjoy smoking. Picking up a cigarette makes them feel better about the world and, provided that they don’t blow smoke all over their friends and family, it isn’t doing anyone else any harm. For some, the social aspect is what they enjoy – the feeling of belonging to a group of people can be incredibly addictive. And some simply enjoy the taste of tobacco and the feeling brought by holding a cigarette in their fingers.

*Health risks are ignored

It’s almost impossible in this day and age to ignore the health risks that are linked with smoking. However, many people choose to ignore them, or to go ahead and smoke regardless because they think it is already too late. Still others are unconvinced of the health risks, thinking that they are over-exaggerated. Ultimately, a smoker has to be convinced of the risks and/or want to give up before a quitting plan can be put into action.

*Giving up is stressful

There is no doubt that giving up smoking is an incredibly stressful thing to do. Smoking is an addiction, so it is rarely possible to just throw away your cigarettes and never smoke them again. Cravings and the shakes are bound to be a result, and, for those whom smoking is used as a crutch to get them through life, they will suddenly be lacking something important. It may simply not be possible for a smoker to cope with the stress that not smoking brings.

*No-one enjoys being told what to do

Telling someone to give up anything is bound to offend. Imagine if you are a smoker and someone, be it friends, family, or every other advert, is constantly telling you to give it up. It may work for a few people, but many will go through a process of deep resentment at being told what to do. Eventually, they may reach the point where they decide to listen and try to give up, but that is something that they need to do in their time, without being constantly nagged. That is not to say that others should give up trying to change their way of thinking, but knowing when to cut some slack is important.

*Family members and friends smoke

Many smokers smoke because they have been influenced by their environment – their friends and family smoke. This can make it even harder to give up, because there is no fun in quitting when everyone around you is carrying on. Occasionally smokers can mass quit together, but more often than not, one person will return to the smoking fold, and then another, until eventually everyone is back to normal. Eventually, everyone will come to the conclusion that it is easier not to quit.

*One addiction will be replaced by another

Smoking is an addiction and, if the smoker is to give up, they often need to find another addiction to take its place. This could be eating, which leads to weight gain, or drinking, which can lead to multiple health problems. Some smokers simply see smoking as one addiction that they can handle – at least there is no weight gain or alcohol issues. This may not be true, but many smokers can convince themselves that smoking is the lesser evil and that therefore they do not want to give up.

If you are a friend or family member to someone who smokes heavily and you are trying to persuade them to give up, consider the above factors. It may help you understand why they don’t want to quit.