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As a result of the increasing stigma associated with being a smoker today, there appears to be a growing number of “closet” smokers. Closet smokers are people who hide their habit from others. For the closet smoker, the holidays can be a perfect time to quit. Traditional thinking about quitting smoking suggests that the holiday season is a horrible time because of the added stress. This is not necessarily the case with the closet smoker.

The month of December is full of social events, commitments, visitors, friends and family. For the closet smoker, NOT being able to enjoy smoking as they are accustomed to can be the most stressful thing about the holidays. For a closet smoker, feelings of anxiety begin to mount just thinking about the challenges of sneaking a cigarette without blowing their cover. This adds to the withdrawal symptoms that result from significantly restricted nicotine use.

Quitting smoking during the holidays eliminates the stress associated with hiding smoking from others who disapprove. Additionally, it can accelerate the withdrawal period because the initial (and most intense) period of withdrawal will occur alongside other holiday distractions.

Why are you a closet smoker? Chances are the reason for hiding your habit is another source of stress, which can be ELIMINATED by quitting smoking.

There are many common reasons for hiding smoking.  A disapproving parent, spouse or relative is a major reason that people hide their smoking. An impressionable child is another big reason. Do you have a friend, co-worker or relative with cancer? Did someone you know lose a loved one to cancer? Guilt or self-conscience about the cost, health consequences or negative image eating at you?

Whatever the reason, closest smokers are carrying a heavy and unhealthy burden. That burden is eliminated when you quit smoking. Unfortunately, the burden of a closet smoker can be so overwhelming that a time of joy and celebration is masked by feelings of restriction, deprivation and resentment.

Quitting smoking is  liberating and empowering because it is such a challenging task. Smokers really need to trust that quitting smoking is one decision that they will never regret.

Unfortunately, closet smokers don’t have a support team to call on when quitting smoking. They can’t post their plans to quit smoking on Facebook (which solicits support from friends) or recruit others for support. In an effort to help, Alpha Lifestyle Center of Birmingham has a confidential, comprehensive and alternative approach to quitting smoking without pain, needles, drugs or side effect. For more information about the program, visit www.alphalaserinfo.com or call 248-594-1303.