The Three-Link Chain of Addiction: Physical, Mental and Social
The addiction to cigarettes is a complicated matter. The American Lung Association says it’s a “three-link chain” of physical, social and mental addictions, and that smokers have a better chance of quitting and staying smokefree if they address all three parts of the chain. What do they mean by this? Let’s break it down:
Physical addiction: You may already know that cigarettes contain an addictive chemical called nicotine. In the brain, nicotine causes the release of a chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel good. Once nicotine is gone, your body wants more, which means smoking another cigarette.
Mental addiction: The act of smoking is often a part of one’s daily routines. Smokers light up at specific times of day—when drinking coffee or driving—or when they’re feeling a certain way, like stressed or tired. Cigarettes can become a crutch, almost like a steady friend a smoker can rely on. Quitting smoking means a quitter will have to relearn and adjust these behaviors, which can be a mental hurdle to overcome.
Social addiction: Many smokers develop social groups around smoking—people will head out for a smoke break with friends or coworkers. Smoking can also be used as a social icebreaker by asking, “Got a light?” Going smokefree can mean readjusting your social groups and reevaluating where you spend your recreational time.
Don’t let this chain weigh you down! When you make a quit plan that addresses all three aspects of your addiction, you’ll be well on your way to quitting for good.
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