It is my pleasure to report that, yes, I am still cigarette-free! Its been almost two weeks now, and I’ve learned a lot about my addiction to nicotine.
Instead of asking myself “what” I want, I am asking myself “why” I want it. For example, when I get a craving, I know I want a cigarette, but instead of just reaching for one, I just sit through the craving and bite the bullet. I know that it will pass eventually, because the reason I want the cigarette is because it’s a habit, not because I really need it. My mind was always pulling me the other way. Now, as I am still working to steer clear of cigarettes, I just remember the importance of the “what” and the “why” to keep me going.
I know people who have tried to quit smoking before and they’ve always recommended for me to try the patch, Chantix, etc. While I started chewing Nicorette, I still needed more than that. So, I utilized one of the many things that has helped me in breaking all my bad habits related to addiction – the 12 Steps.
Each one of the 12 Steps has applied to my journey to quit smoking in one way or another. For example, I know that I am powerless over nicotine, but that I don’t want it to have power over me. So I work hard to make it so I can overcome this power on a daily basis. I do the 12 Steps every single year to keep me firm in my sobriety, but this year it has truly helped me end my smoking habits.
I always say the Serenity Prayer in the morning, too. I read my Jesus calling book and meditate for five minutes daily, so I can reflect on what I am grateful and thankful for. This helps remind me of how blessed I am, and I use this motivation to keep me away from picking up another cigarette.
My wife Ashley and my family have all wanted me to quit for a long time, but I never wanted it for myself – similar to getting help for an addiction problem. I had to want it, and now I do. I still call my sponsor and have people hold me accountable so I don’t fall off track, but I can honestly say that now, I am doing it for me and my overall health and wellbeing.
Author
-
Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
