"QUIT SMOKING?!"

All of us somewhere and at some point of time tell at least one person to quit smoking. I have also done so not just once but many a times. I had lectured on how and why should one not smoke and how beneficial it will be. There are certain revelations that have come upon me. When I am in a difficult fix, I say, "It is easy for you to say that but you'll not understand me. You are not in my situation." Oh Boy! These words seem so easy to just blurt. It is time to think not just twice but deeper before you speak.

If a smoker has been in the habit for more than 3-4 years, it is a cruel situation for him. It is difficult for others to make him quit. It is a painful time for everyone near and dear. The worst pain, helpless situation and cruelty are the Smoker's. By 'him' I refer to all Smokers regardless of gender and by using the term 'Smokers', I am not being hateful, not kindling disrespect nor am I being indignant. It is as simple a word to understand and relate to. I draw this blog from close observations within my social group.

If I go on to explaining smoking then it may take various forms, smoking tobacco, cocaine, opium etc etc. All I refer here to is the act and many difficult situations arising out of it. When you drag that evil substance and hold it to your neck, letting it burn your throat, you don't realize the aftermath. The first time, you try, second time it is pure fun, third it is “I can do it” and thereafter it is habit. You let the drug take over you and your thoughts. You can’t breathe if your smoke schedule is delayed, you can’t think, your mind gets clogged and you feel all around you is dark.

"Quit Smoking" is a very common phrase we hear from parents, spouse, children and everyone who care about us. Saying this is very easy because you just speak but doing it is tougher than probably going uphill Mt. Everest. The craving for a cigarette is so intense-it is uncontrollable and people who do it are really brave fighters with will to live. A Smoker can't quit overnight but it needs gradual reduction in consumption. It should not be forced upon one to smoke none in a day but to reduce the number first. In that process the need of it lessened. It takes believe me more than a year for a Smoker to willingly say "Sorry I don't smoke." The process of quitting requires the closest family or friend to be with the victim forever without being rude but being loving, understanding and strong enough not to given in to a Smoker's pain. 

Endurance from all, care from all, encouragement and alternatives to smoke are all of utmost importance. You can't afford to yell and shout at the person who feels dead because you don't give him what he wants. The situations can be traumatic but keeping things going with hope and smile and care are all needed. You need to build the victim's self confidence by showing him his talents giving him a challenging hobby where that excess energy of craving can be drawn to a positive outcome.

A Smoker was never born so and he never wants to die so. Smokers need strength and your understanding. An addiction of any kind is injurious but no one wants to hurt another in a conscious state of mind.