On the one hand: One of every two smokers die from smoking. On the other hand it is relaxing and helps the smoker cope with stress.

One of the major draws of smoking is that it seems to reduce stress. As a serious nicotine addict I know how true that is. Now, consider the itch, how pleasurable to scratch it. But the pleasure is limited, and too much scratching can do damage. The curse of the itch: As soon as you stop scratching, it begins to return - often with greater strength. So it is with nicotine use.

Most smokers have become dependent on nicotine, and need it to maintain normal moods. They often suffer from unpleasant feelings of irritability and tension between cigarettes, when plasma nicotine levels are falling. This is why smoking is most pleasurable after an extended period of abstinence - such as the first cigarette of day. The idea that smoking helps one cope with stress is an illusion. Smoking produces a short-term reduction of stress because it removes the stress caused by the withdrawal symptoms - scratching the itch. Like athlete's foot, it may feel good to scratch, but it detracts from the quality of life.

To get out from under this oppresive habit smokers and other nicotine users are willing to subject themselves to the discomfort of withdrawal. Unfortunately, popular misconceptions about addiction and its treatment turn good intentions into demoralizing relapse.

Dr. Bill Dubin has been developing tools for nicotine cessation and relapse prevention for over 25 years. You can access these tools by visitng our office in Austin, Texas, or by downloading the tools best matched with you from this web site.