As a result of the increasing stigma associated with being a smoker today, there appears to be a growing number of “closet” smokers; smokers who hide their habit from others. This time of year a disproportionate number of closet smokers seek assistance with quitting smoking because, for the closet smoker, the holidays can be a perfect time to quit. Traditional thinking about quitting smoking (or making any major lifestyle change) typically disqualifies the holidays as a fitting time to quit smoking because of the added stress during the holidays. 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 merely 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 anticipating the challenges of sneaking a cigarette without blowing their cover. Feelings of stress and anxiety are also withdrawal symptoms that result from significantly restricted nicotine use
If you are even considering quitting smoking sometime in the future, I urge you to consider why now is the perfect time.
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.
Also, consider why you’re a closet smoker. Chances are the reason for hiding your habit is another source of stress, which can be ELIMINATED by quitting smoking.
Common reasons for hiding smoking: A disapproving parent, spouse or relative; Impressionable child; Friend, co-worker or relative of a cancer vicitm/survivor; Guilt or self-conscience re: cost/health/image/
Whatever the reason, closest smokers are carrying a heavy and unhealthy burden; one which is completely gone when they quit smoking once and for all. Unfortunately, the burden of hiding being a smoker can be so overwhelming that a time of joy and celebration is masked by feelings of restriction, deprivation and resentment.
Quitting smoking is a liberating and empowering experience 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, making quitting even more challenging. 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.
