Smoking has adverse effects on one’s health. It is considered as one of the sources of illnesses in several individuals. The sad reality is that smoking affects not only the smoker but even the non-smokers as well. When you are living with a person who enjoys puffing sticks of cigarettes, there is a high possibility that you can have smoke-related illnesses such as lung cancer. Because of this, it is essential to take some measures to help your husband quit smoking for good.
Life becomes better when you leave alcohol behind.
Giving up alcohol addiction is one of the toughest life experiences that you can go through. But once you’ve entirely eradicated the constant yearning, you’ll finally realize that booze has taken over your life in a way that you have missed a lot.
Like what the ad said, “Once you pop, you can’t stop.” But if you do stop, there lie the multitudes of problems you’ll experience all at the same time.
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The Growing Problem
The number of painkiller addicts is on the rise in America and what’s more disturbing is it is one of the leading contributing factors to the increase in the deaths caused by drug overdose.
We might have an opioid crisis in our midst, and while the attention it’s getting nationwide is merited, this writer can’t help but think about the other silent cancer than we’ve been fighting a seemingly losing battle against for years – alcoholism.
A study by Doctors of Philosophy Barry Lester and Linda Lagasse titled “Children of Addicted Women” was published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information or NCBI website. It had 191 reference articles, books, or publications, and thousands upon thousands of valuable words on the issue. The bottom line is that their study explains in detail that women who are using drugs while pregnant are risking the lives of their children. Yes, the children are alive, and they grow up seemingly ordinary, but there is something not quite right with them, mentally, behaviorally, physically and emotionally.
The authors wanted to know the effects of drug exposure on babies in utero – how it will affect them during their preschool and adolescent stages. The drugs focused on were cocaine, crystal meth, and opiates, but most of the children in their study had exposure to cocaine. Subjects of the study ranged from children as early as four years old to 13 years old. All in all, 42 were highlighted.
Exposure To Cocaine
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Eighteen studies revealed results connected with behavioral problems in children exposed to cocaine. Ten of the eighteen studies had adverse outcomes.
Eight studies used Child Behavior Checklist sheets. Four were Teacher Report Forms. One of the studies used the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and three were a type of teacher report. The remaining were behavioral interpretations. Generally, girls were antagonistic, and boys were law offenders.
One study had a report of a child who has ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In another study, a child suffers from Oppositional Defiance Disorder. There were no reports of suicidal tendencies. It is also highly likely that children exposed to cocaine while in their mother’s womb were smokers, some as early as ten years old.
As for language issues, seven studies proved that the children experienced speech deficiencies while one concluded that there was no such effect. These were children three to seven years old.
The cognitive functioning of the children was also impaired. Seven studies proved that the children had a low cognitive ability with their reduced attention skills and impulsive acts. One study reviewed problems on the motor skills of children, as well.
The school performance of the children was also a topic on the reviews. Out of seven studies, three had recommendations for special education and academic assistance programs. Only one had a high rating for school success, but then again various factors were involved.
Conclusion By The Authors
The authors have sufficient data to believe that children whose mothers used cocaine while pregnant will suffer from a variety of behavioral issues, language and speech problems, lack of attention and focus on details, and impaired cognitive functioning. As for having low IQ and poor school success, evidence was inconclusive.
What To Do Now?
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In the first instance that behavioral issues are observed in a child, there are appropriate early intervention programs focused on behavioral treatment. These are helpful and effective. Some even include medication which is of course regulated by a qualified physician.
Some also use a motivational incentive system. This is for the children to learn how to curb their behavior and manage it so that they will get a reward. Of course, the prize can be a material object or something intangible. Parents are usually the ones implementing this practice at home, and it eliminates the onset of other mental health issues like depression, anxiety or stress.
(For example, an ADHD kid needs to write his homework daily since he slacks off or just doesn’t do it. If he does that every single day for a week, he is allowed a playtime at the park on the weekend.)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is also another solution. With CBT, the kids will have to exercise their critical thinking, and this can improve their attention and focus.
To ease their stress or emotional pain, people rely on substances that free them from their despair. These substances include alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, marijuana, hallucinogens, stimulants, and others. Using them can often lead to worse mental health conditions. Addiction is an unhealthy mental state an individual should watch out. One of the most common forms of addiction is substance abuse.
Drug addiction is considered one of the leading causes of increased crime rates in several states. According to a recent study, people who have developed an addiction to drugs or narcotics are more likely to be violent than the individuals who are not into substance abuse. The same study also reveals that the said drug addicts are capable of hurting anyone even a family member. At the same time, drug addiction can also lead to an overdose that can potentially end one’s life.
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At this point, you are probably aware of the several disadvantages that using drugs can bring into your life. Take note that its adverse effects are not only visible on the way you act or connect with other people. They can also be seen on your physical appearance as well as overall physique.
In this article, our primary focus is all about starting a new life after saying goodbye to drugs. Our ultimate objective is to encourage everyone to give up prohibited and illegal drugs. We want to let you know that there is a better life waiting for you after you decide to keep drugs out of your system completely. Read the list below to find out the ways on how you can start a new life after addiction. Below are some of the smart ideas that any reformed drug addict can do:
Accept Your Past
Never deny to yourself that you have a terrible past because of drug addiction. Embrace this reality so that you can move on easily. Keep in mind that the more you dwell on the things that happened in the past, the more difficult it becomes on your part to face the present and the future. What is essential is for you to understand that all the bad memories are in the past now. You have been given a new shot at life so do not waste it.
Forgive Yourself
Another important or vital thing that you need to do is to let go of the anger issues that you have. Try to forgive yourself for whatever happened in the past. Never blame yourself for how things turned out because it will only keep you in the dark. As such, it is best if you would assess your shortcomings in the past and deal with it with open arms. Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. puts emphasis that “The strength of forgiveness has been shown to have a powerful buffering effect on stress. Those who are highly forgiving of themselves and others have a far less chance of having a mental illness.” Forgive yourself for all the mistakes and errors so that you can move forward to the better life that awaits for you.
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Avoid Bad Influence
Now that you are already in the process of starting a new life, it is best if you would keep yourself away from the people who can influence you to the bad side. “When trying to keep a positive attitude, you must avoid people who thrive on negativity,” says Fran Walfish, PsyD. Let go of the individuals who keep on insisting that you engage in illegal activities such as using drugs. Otherwise, you will only end up going back to square one. Keep in mind that people like them do not deserve to be called your friends. You deserve so much more than staying in close ties with them.
Have A Strong Will
One of the essential tips that you must never forget is to keep your head held high at all times. Remind yourself that you are fantastic, amazing and that you have what it takes to turn your life around. Be firm in all your decisions, which will show everyone that you are a strong-willed woman. Do not let any person sway you into trying drugs once again. As already mentioned above, it would not be wise on your part to go down that road again. You will only get hurt and the ones you love.
Go To Therapy
At this point, it is crucial to highlight the reality that getting over drug addiction does not happen overnight. There are those who have difficulty leaving their past lives behind. Fortunately, an option is available for the unlucky ones. If you find it hard to move on from a life that is full of tragedy and addiction, it is best if you would see a therapist. Let this professional help you in handling the nitty-gritty of drug addiction. Always think that you deserve more and the only way to get it, for now, is to try therapy sessions. “Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired.” Chris Corbett, PsyD said.
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Conclusion
If there is one thing that you need to read right now, it is this: We are so proud of your choice to move on to better tomorrows by saying no to drugs. Keep in mind that the choices or decisions you make today can affect your life in the future as well as those surrounding you. Believe in your heart that you deserve a second chance to start over again. As long as you follow the tips and tricks mentioned above, there is nothing to worry about. Keep in mind that you are only doing everything for your protection.
If there is one thing that you need to know when it comes to quitting a particular addiction such a smoking, it is the fact that relapse is possible. Take note that relapse can happy to anyone at anytime. According to experts, there are several factors that affect the occurrence of a relapse. As such, it is imperative on your part to quit blaming yourself when something goes wrong in the process of quitting from your bad habit of smoking.
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First of all, you need to understand the scientific conclusion that wanting to smoke on a regular basis or resorting to smoking cigarettes during sad moments is classified as addiction. This means that your body craves for the cigars involuntarily. As Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC explains it, “Many people use smoking as a coping tool. Unfortunately, this method of coping can lead to a number of physical health problems, including heart disease and cancer, and can increase one’s chances of premature death.” No matter how much you make an effort to control your cravings, there will always come a time when you would give in despite the fact of making process with your therapist. Because of all these, it is crucial for you to learn the various ways on how you can handle relapse after an attack.
Here are some of the important things that you need to remember if you want to be an expert in dealing with relapse from smoking addiction:
Remember Why You Quit
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The first thing that you must do is to remind yourself the primary reasons why you decided to quit smoking in the first place. Did you stop smoking because of a loved one? Did you decide to quit this bad habit because of a health reason? Whatever it is, make sure to remember it so that you can realize how far you’ve come from the first day of quitting up to the present time.
Talk To A Friend
“Why talk about your problems including mental health challenges? Just talking about your situation to someone can reduce your stress and help you feel better.” Dr. Aaron Kaplan, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist said. Whenever you feel the need to smoke again, do not easily give in and instead, find a way to talk to a person whom you can trust. Do not waste all the days that you have successfully stopped from having cigars as part of your lifestyle. What is essential is for you to talk things through with a friend. Allow this person provide you with more reasons why you must not give in to the relapse.
Get Professional Help
There are days when the struggle to resist relapse can be difficult to handle during these times, the right thing to do is to give yourself a chance to seek professional help. Find a therapist who can help you deal with this matter. Ask for recommendations from friends if you are not sure with the person to contact. Seek help because many people out there are willing to help you. In Dr. Nikki Martinez, Psy.D. blog, she says, “If you are struggling with low self-esteem, it is encouraged that you seek some type of help and support to work through this issue, and to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be.”
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Relapse is just one of the hundreds of issues that you may encounter in your life right after you decided to quit smoking. You must be strong enough to resist it so that all your efforts will not go into waste. Take the process of getting rid of your addiction in your own pace. Do not rush the process to ensure that you will not keep on coming back to square one. Keep moving because you deserve to achieve a healthier and happier you.
