Nicotine is a main component of cigarettes and a huge reason why we keep on reaching for those “poison sticks.” Let’s just be blunt: nicotine is a drug, and it is very easy to get hooked. Once nicotine addiction becomes part of your life it is extremely difficult to shake it off and get back to normal.

Most people wrongly think that it is only narcotic drugs that are addictive. This is a very wrong notion indeed. Nicotine too is as addictive as any narcotic.

Just like any other drug, it quickly worms its way into your life and takes control. You may not realize it at first, but slowly and surely you’ll start to feel the effects. Everything you do is tinged by your nicotine addiction.

I know what it’s like. For every problem in your life, nicotine seems to promise a solution:

If you feel stressed, you reach for your cigarettes, thinking that you need a hit in order to calm your mind and find your center.

If you’re tired, you reach for your cigarettes, knowing that they will give you that extra buzz you need in order to stay awake and alert.

If you’re upset, you reach for your cigarettes, hoping that they will cheer you up and put you in better spirits.

The truth is, cigarettes and nicotine don’t solve any of these problems. YOU are the only one capable of doing that, and you don’t need nicotine to help.

If you’re stressed, find healthy alternatives to ease your mind and relax your body. Our bodies and brains are equipped to handle stress; we don’t need any drugs to come

If you’re tired, go to sleep! The body craves sleep—usually about 8 hours a night for most people. Puffing away when you’re tired doesn’t really perk up the brain, even though it may feel that way. When you smoke, the alkaloids in the cigarette send stimulating signals to the brain, giving you the sensation of being more alert, at least temporarily. But in the long run, these alkaloids are doing serious damage to your body’s ability to rest and recuperate.

And if you’re upset, reaching for cigarettes isn’t the answer. The nicotine may give you a quick rush, boosting your spirits for a little while. But the human body does not need any external drugs in order to feel great. Think about the way you feel after a good, long laugh with a friend, or after a workout session! Those natural endorphins are a stronger, healthier and purer source of happiness than any artificial drug.

The bottom line: your body comes naturally equipped with everything you need to handle any situation. Don’t rely on nicotine to see you through—you can handle it on your own!     

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