Frequently Asked Questions About IHC Quit Smoking  Program®

Will I gain weight?

Nicotine changes your metabolism, the rate at which your body burns calories, so quitting actually changes your metabolism back to "normal." In fact nicotine neutralizes some effect of insulin of your body, and this is the reason why you can eat less when you smoke.

When you stop smoking, insulin returns to its normal levels, and in this situation your body will ask for more food to utilize the whole insulin.

If you are concerned about weight gain, simply try to limit your intake of high fat food and increase your activity level.

Light exercise, e.g. walking, will not only help prevent weight gain but will help you deal more effectively with stress.

Try taking a short brisk walk during the times when you used to enjoy a tobacco break.

Take a short ride on the wagon.

Successful quitters tell us that restricting alcohol for 4 to 8 weeks after their quit date helps tremendously. There is a strong association between tobacco use and alcohol use. Alcohol affects the part of the brain that is responsible for planning and controlling your behavior. A couple of drinks weaken your resolve to avoid tobacco use. Restricting alcohol and caffeinated beverages during the critical 1 to 2 months after your quit day reduces your chances for a potential relapse.

What if I have finished the entire program, all 7 sessions, and somehow I start smoking again?

It is not easy to quit smoking. Some people do need a second chance. You also might like to know that for most people, quitting smoking is like learning to ride a bike. You don't just hop on and ride like a champion. It takes a little practice. Most people try to quit smoking at least once before they quit for good. You just had your practice. So try again and again, the important thing is not to view each attempt as success or failure, rather as one more step on the path to success.

What if I cheat?

The process of quitting tobacco involves learning how to cope with the inevitable urges, the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine and so on.

When the urge comes try one of the following techniques:

Drink a glass of water.

Call a friend.

Take a walk.

Do a breathing exercise.

Count slowly to 100.

Your likelihood of success is much greater if you follow the IHC Quit Smoking  Program® has made for you. You need to prevent any lapse from becoming relapses.

How long does it take to get the nicotine out of my body?

The answer to this question depends on many factors, some of which are controllable by you. When withdrawing from a nicotine dependence, one should drink plenty of water to flush the toxins out of the body, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and get regular exercise. This will hasten the removal of nicotine from the system.

Congratulation! Your first reading is encouraging.

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