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Caring and sharing

NDC_Team
Mayo Clinic
13 6 286

Recovery from addiction can be difficult.  Relapse and struggle are frequently part of the process.  People who are more addicted can have a very challenging time becoming tobacco free despite a strong desire to stop and a great deal of effort expended trying to stop.  We try to encourage those folks to stop being hard on themselves and stop unfairly comparing self to others.  Instead of blaming yourself, use every tool available to help you stop smoking. 

 

One phrase or tool you might find useful is to ‘don’t say anything to yourself that you would not say to a good friend’.  Positive and supportive ‘self-talk’ conserves the energy wasted through self-blame, and can provide a strong and gentle foundation to manage the difficult challenges in ‘re-learning’ life without tobacco. Quitting can be difficult.  Provide yourself with understanding and do the planning needed to make this important change happen.

 

One of the things I really love about the EX Community is the empathic way in which people are accepted and encouraged.   Good positive support helps to build success.  Understanding and care provide a net to bounce back from any relapse or set-back.  

 

If you are struggling, don’t blame yourself.  Be kind.  If you’re struggling alone, take a risk.  Share your struggles.   A load shared is half a load.  Give and get the support, care and encouragement that you deserve.

Michael V. Burke, Ed.D

Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS

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About the Author
The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic has been home to physicians, nurse practitioners, Master’s / PhD level counselors, trained TTS’, and amazing office staff for a total of 30 years, all working together to treat individuals who struggle with tobacco use. Counselors meet with an individual to develop their own personalized plan, discuss coping strategies, and provide ongoing support along the journey towards a tobacco-free life. As part of the process, counselors work with physicians and nurse practitioners to provide nicotine replacements and other medications for smoking cessation as needed. We are happy to be involved with the EX Community and we hope our experiences and expertise can help in your journey towards a tobacco-free life. View the link in our signature to see our individual Biographies.