C2V wrote:
I quit myself and it was no big deal. Just as I did heavy alcohol, and years of benzodiazapines and painkillers. Withdrawal is uncomfortable, no denying that. But you know you have to give it up because it's killing you. Withdrawal is temporary. It's like a cold or flu - you accept you're going to feel like garbage for a few weeks, but then you'll be ok.
Congrats on your ability to quit all of these substances! I've never been a smoker, but I've struggled with other addictions.
All of that being said, I think there are a LOT of reasons people are unable to quit cigarettes or any other addictive substance/habit (so many gray areas). Just a few reasons I can think of:
1) Willpower and addictive tendencies vary within any population. Genetics also play a huge role in chances of becoming an addict + our ability to overcome an addiction (damned epigenetic marks).
2) Many addicts have some sort of trauma they are masking/numbing with a specific chemical. Taking away that chemical can sometimes mean facing that trauma head on.
3) Support for addicts is variable. There may be a lack of resources and information on alternative coping mechanisms. Mental health resources may also be unavailable or unaffordable.
4) Addicts often hang out with other addicts, leading to the perpetuation of said addiction.
5) There is a ridiculous amount of social pressure and media which reinforces that these habits are positive (or cool).
6) It just may not be the right time for a person to quit. Anxiety, different stressors, and so many other factors may prevent a person from quitting despite the desire to do so. Given the right environmental conditions, I would assume that quitting habits would be a lot easier.
7) Change is hard in general.
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