Interview with Dr. Randy Gilchrist on The Non-Smoker's Edge
1. Randy, you have worked with people to overcome their bad habits, especially smoking. Can you tell me why people continue to smoke even though they know that this is slowly eroding their health?
There are two main reasons as I understand it. First, smoking is a stubborn habit that naturally connects with many everyday activities, times of day, social interactions, and emotional states that continually "trigger" the urge to smoke—often at an unconscious level. In this way, smoking becomes like a reliable, old friend that offers relaxation, comfort, and focus with every interaction (puff). It's like the old song goes—"breaking up is hard to do."
Second, smoking acts as an addiction as well. Because the body and mind become used to the "rush" from regular nicotine...continue reading »