Why is this so hard.

[Cbruner626]

It seems crazy this is so hard for m y son. 

[CommunityAdmin]

I'm sorry to hear that, @Cbruner626; here are some site articles that could be helpful for you:

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/how-to-help-someone-else-quit/

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/why-quitting-feels-so-hard/

Please keep us posted and stay supportive!

- Danielle, EX Team

[Barbscloud]

@Cbruner626 Can you tell us more?   Is your son quitting smoking or vaping?  Quitting nicotine is hard but there are tools and tips that can help.  Has he been on the site all all reading material?  And there is fabulous support here from fellow quitters.

Here's a link with some good information about cravings, tools, and creating new association to replace smoking/vaping, etc.    

https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

Joining the Daily Pledge is a great way to stay on track one day at a time.

We're here for him.  He just needs to reach out.

Barb

[maryfreecig]

It's hard because it is an addiction, it's not just a habit. The addiction becomes a part of our lives and is seen as one in the same. If you have never been addicted to nicotine (yay for that!!!) then you may not realize how powerful the craving for nicotine can be, and after years of nicotine use, the memory of not smoking is almost entirely gone. Often quitters need to try several times as they figure out a way to quit.

Just not smoking/using and being good isn't enough for a quitter. We have to come to a complete decision to give it all we've got, then do it one day at a time. There are no short cuts. 

Give your son room to fail. Remind him that he can quit when he is ready. Help is available if he wants it.