Someone makes you an offer they think you can’t refuse—they
offer you a cigarette—but they get a Tony Soprano reply—
“Fuhgeddaboutit!”—This is just how it has to be if you want to
be a born-again nonsmoker!
Smoking addiction is a way of life that cloaks many complexities—it is orchestrated by the interaction of genetic, neurobiological, environmental and developmental factors. It is the principal preventable cause of death in the U.S. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking in the U.S. accounts
for close to half a million deaths each year.
One barrier to quitting is the fact
that most smokers perceive themselves as being addicted for life, and it is
this cerebral electric fence that can be the difference between staying addicted
and breaking free.
During my quest for a protocol, I considered incarcerated
smokers who have spent years in jails in certain countries around the world,
where cigarettes are not available. When they were admitted they suffered the
pangs and despair, but lived without cigarettes because they had no choice.
So the advice I would give to all the would-be quitters who just believe it is
completely impossible, is to think of those prisoners—whatever their
genetic profile, biological, physiological and psychological condition,
whatever their cultural background and life experiences were, and
how ever many nicotinic cell receptors, misrouted and unbalanced
chemical pathways and disrupted hormones they had—they
had to, and did quit. And as for the non-prisoners, data from
a U.S. National Health Interview Survey (1965–2005) and the
American Lung Association (1997–2005), shows estimations
that 45.9 million adults are former smokers (25.5 million
men and 20.4 million women). Of course it was much
harder for them because they had 24/7 cigarette access, so
they should be kept in mind too!
Survival of the human race has always meant striving
after “must have” natural rewards such as food, drink and
sex. But the brain also craves unnatural rewards such
as chemicals from smoking. This is because the body’s
biological functions do not always differentiate between
natural and unnatural substances. When there is an
addiction to a stimulant such as nicotine or caffeine,
the high level of stimulation generates regulatory
changes in the brain cell receptor (docking) sites
of brain cells for the chemical messengers:
dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Effectively, they begin to close down—and as
a result, the addictee yearns for more of the
nicotine or caffeine etc., just to feel normal and
be able to get through the day.
There is one common chemical messenger
in the body known as acetylcholine (pronounced:
a-cee-til-coline). This connects with specific
receptors in the cell called cholinergic receptors.
These are widely spread throughout the body, and
are of great importance as acetylcholine and its
receptors are connected to numerous vital functions
including: respiration (breathing patterns), maintenance
of heart rate, and muscle movement. In addition, they generate the
release of other chemical messengers which influence functions such
as: appetite, mood and memory. Now, as the chemical make-up of the
active form of nicotine is very close to the natural chemical messenger
acetylcholine, the receptors are stimulated when they pick up nicotine molecules (just as in the same way a wrong key can sometimes open a lock). So, because of all the vital functions
acetylcholine is connected to, you can imagine the dramatic
effect.
When the body receives nicotine in small doses, the
disruption to brain chemistry effects normal functioning
by: increasing heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the
concentration of various hormones, and increasing in the
excitability of nerve cells—one outcome is that a smoker's body
and brain are given some za-za-zoom—a power surge to begin
or get through whatever they are doing. Conversely, when the
body receives nicotine in high doses, regulatory mechanisms
suppress acetylcholine. In addition, nicotine changes the
normal cycle of endorphins (chemical messengers which bring
on a state of exhilaration and tranquillity), making the body
reliant on nicotine to control their release, and the feelings
they bring. So basically, nicotine has the power to generate very
diverse moods—and a fire station emergency yearning to reach
out for a pack!
The first cigarette of the day which often and very detrimentally
replaces breakfast, receives an enthusiastic response
from the nerve cells within the brain, which react to
the first nicotine rush of the day. (Readers who can successfully
cut out this first cigarette of the day, and replace this cigarette
breakfast will be quicker and far more likely to succeed in
cessation). During the first few cigarettes of the day, nicotine
stimulation increases the activity of dopamine—the feel good
chemical messenger which affects the pathways in the brain
that control reward and pleasure. The brain rewards and reinforces
what it translates as beneficial behavior (in this case
smoking). This leaves the smoker with a euphoric sensation
of feeling up. However, what goes up must come down, and
the high is followed by an inevitable rebounding low.
As the day moves on, the flow of nicotine does not have the
same effect. This is because the nerve cells begin to become
de-sensitised. Now the cigarettes generate less of a high,
and smokers need to heavily reboot as they are compelled
to puff away even more. The smoker's subconscious mind is
completely blinded to the health calamities and the reality of a
precarious future. It thinks in the here and now and it regards
smoking as necessary as it translates the anxiety and withdrawal
symptoms, which have built-up since the last cigarette into
a danger which is threatening to the body. As humans have
an instinctive biological survival of the species mechanism
that is preprogrammed to reduce anxiety, the subconscious
is automatically prompted to take action to lower the threat
(i.e. lower the anxiety). So smokers impulsively react by doing
something which relaxes and calms them—they light up!
The protocol that I have introduced in my new book, "The
Winning Way to Quit Smoking" is derived from a natural and
holistic foundation. The Fuhgeddaboutit Method is named
after the expression of Tony Soprano, the mafia boss of the
HBO world-wide smash hit TV show, "The Sopranos." It
incorporates health science, and embraces complementary
therapy with an accent on biological regulation and the
intrinsic healing of the mind, body and soul. Various elements
integrate body regeneration, favourable genetic expression,
anti-aging, hormone and chemical messenger regulation,
and enhanced immune system functioning. Cutting down is
slow and systematic over a period of around six months, until
the Permanent Quit Zone is reached. There are numerous
suggested back ups including: herbal patches, acupuncture,
ear magnets, herbal cigarettes, flower remedies, and nutritional
supplements; as well as the regular use of a hypnosis CD, and
self-administered holistic therapy.
The first aspect that is addressed is detoxing—the gateway
to good health, revitalisation and regeneration; and a means
to help reduce cravings. Various methods are examined, with
the aim of assisting the body to dispel heavy metals and other
chemicals. Incredibly, there are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarette
smoke. Of these, around seventy percent are carcinogenic, and
hundreds are toxic. Health Cuisine is the next on the list. This
is one of the most beneficial aspects of the protocol, as natural
unprocessed food holds powers which assist self-healing and
regeneration of the body's cells, tissues and organs. Simple
changes to empower the body using optimum nutrition are
put forward, and information on some of the pitfalls that keep
smokers on the same path through their choice of food and
drink, are addressed. It is an indisputable fact that food effects
the way everyone feels and behaves, and a nutritional program
which maintains a good blood sugar balance, not only boosts
energy, it can also help to reduce cravings. The body's blood
sugar levels are affected by a drug-type interaction produced
by the stimulating effects of nicotine which causes the body
to dispel its stores of sugar and fat. This explains the appetite
suppressant powers of nicotine which affect the satiety
(appetite control) center in the brain. Next up is the Stress Factor,
which is brought on by the crescendos and decrescendos of
smoking. A wide range of physical activities, new interests and
hobbies, the use of aromatherapy oils, relaxation techniques,
and home-based holistic treatments (including reflexology and
Indian head massage) are suggested. Ways to improve mind
management, strength and willpower are then called upon
by looking at strategies to stay positive by: changing normal
routines, saying no to frenemie crocodile smoking companions,
and preparing a C diary. Smokers are then equipped mentally
and physically to enter the Four Zones: The Prep Zone (4
weeks), The Cutting Down Zone (8 weeks), The Quit Zero Zone
(16 weeks), and The Permanent Quit Zone. The final part of
the protocol looks at weight gain and offers an insight into the
effects of smoking and cessation on weight control, in order to
put a successful plan into action. Exercise, supplements, and
diet are considered, with an accent on having more plant based
foods in order to heal the body and avoid gruesome calorie
control!
The next time someone makes you an offer of a cigarette—
you can say Fuhgeddaboutit!
