Heidi Gray, Quit Coach, Service Delivery:
As a Quit Coach, I talk to people everyday who are quitting smoking and all of them describe strong feelings associated with the decision to quit. After all, it’s a very significant lifestyle change, akin to ending a relationship or a major change in diet! Even in the midst of all the strong feelings I hear about on the phone, there is one question that always elicits especially enthusiastic responses.
“What do you plan to do with your cigarettes before your quit date?”
It’s my experience that answers to this question fall into three general categories (listed in no particular order)…
“Oh!…well…of course, I HAVE to get rid of them! If they’re here, I’m definitely going to smoke them! That would be like putting a kid in a candy store!”
“[long pause, soft voice] well I could never get rid of my cigarettes. I don’t know if anyone has ever told you this before, but I think I would panic just knowing that they weren’t around…just in case I needed one.”
“Oh, I’m planning on keeping one pack, with me all the time, so I know I have the will-power to say no."
While each of these responses may sound distinct, they have something important in common. To me, they all reflect a person’s desire to be in control of their relationship with nicotine. In the first scenario - control of their behavior, the second – control of their emotions, the third - a test of just how in control that person is. In fact, it’s a desire to be back in control of what they’re doing to their body and how they spend their time that drives many people to quit in the first place.
In general, getting rid of tobacco and paraphernalia related to tobacco like ashtrays, lighters and spit cans is really important for a successful quit. When these things are out of sight, they’re out of mind. And if someone quitting does find themselves with a strong urge to smoke, they’re much less likely to smoke if they can’t get their hands on a cigarette easily.
As for control - ultimately, control comes with learning new behaviors, new ways to get through times that trigger an urge to smoke, and new ways to think about what a cigarette can or cannot do. Examining feelings related to getting rid of their cigarettes can provide important information about what challenges a person should plan for while quitting. For the person who needs to keep one around “just in case” – what would have to happen to warrant reaching for that reserve pack? For the person who needs to keep them around as a test of will – is that a test worth taking?
So, to all of you trying to kick the habit – Have confidence that you’ll pass that test! Get rid of your cigarettes and start making plans… just in case.