Smoking is a common habit that people pick up for various reasons, like influence, pleasure, and pressure relief. Yet even someone’s personality type can impact their likelihood to smoke. One study reveals that extroverts are more prone to cigarette use due to the habit being mediated by behavioral or biological factors associated with sociability.
After all, smoking is very common in social situations where extroverts are often present, like parties and get-togethers.
Though this means introverts are less likely to smoke, they still have an issue of their own: they may find it more challenging to quit. Keep reading to discover why quitting can be harder for introverts and how to fix it:
Why introverts may find it more challenging to quit smoking
As briefly mentioned above, smoking is common in social interactions. This page reveals that people typically smoke when hanging out with friends—perhaps as a way to bond, interact, or simply feel more comfortable when doing so. In other words, smoking may help you more easily participate in social activities by giving you the confidence you need.
If you find it challenging to navigate social situations, you may, therefore, view quitting smoking as something that will negatively impact your social skills.
Furthermore, smoking may be your coping mechanism for stress or anxiety when faced with situations outside your comfort zone. A briefer on stress notes that introverts are more likely to be anxious and have a constantly activated stress response.
If you’re one of them, you may be using cigarettes for distraction and relief during stressful situations. The prospect of losing this outlet when you’re stressed and anxious may discourage you from quitting.
Finally, it’s no secret that building support systems can be difficult for introverts. Lacking such support may make quitting harder, as you’ll have no one who can listen to your difficulties, share advice, and be with you every step of the way.
All these factors can make quitting smoking more difficult for introverts. Fortunately, you can do a few things to increase your chances of success:
How introverts can quit smoking
Find healthier coping mechanisms
If you want to better interact with peers or address stress and anxiety, don’t turn to cigarettes. Smoking only provides temporary relief, and it can actually increase negative feelings by spiking your cortisol levels. Instead, try healthier methods when confronted with social or stress-inducing situations.
For instance, you can bring a close friend or partner to parties, so you’re never alone and more comfortable when meeting new people. You can also try breathing exercises—like the 4-7-8 method—when you get stressed or anxious.
This involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven, then exhaling for eight seconds. With such coping methods, you can easily lower your dependence on cigarettes.
Quit gradually
By quitting smoking slowly, you can better get used to not having cigarettes on hand when confronted with social, stressful, or anxiety-inducing situations. In the meantime, you can switch to smoke- and tobacco-free nicotine products to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay.
Nicotine pouches are one such product you can try. Used orally, these come in various strengths to match your usual cigarette consumption. LUCY is a great brand for quitting smoking: its pouches on this website use a unique moisture-enhancing blend to ensure a strong kick that deters withdrawal symptoms.
They also come in a wide range of 4mg to 12mg options, allowing you to lower your dosage over time. You can also opt for nicotine lozenges that conveniently dissolve in your mouth for nicotine release. Those from the FDA-approved brand Nicorette are an especially great choice. An informational page on these lozenges explains they take only 20–30 minutes to melt for quick relief. And since they look like regular candy, no one needs to know you’re using them during social interactions, potentially lessening your anxiety.
Build a support system
Receiving moral support during smoking cessation can motivate you to succeed. Your peers can help you identify your reasons for smoking, accompany you throughout the quitting process, and remind you why you wanted to quit in the first place. However, as an introvert, building or accepting a support system can be hard.
Our post “Love Yourself! Little Tricks For Introverted Bliss” recommends starting out by candidly sharing your feelings with close friends. Saying things out loud can make you feel heard and lessen your worries.
This can also help you recognize people’s compassion towards you, making you more comfortable reaching out and asking for help. In doing so, you’ll put yourself in a better position to quit smoking for good.
Quitting smoking can be more challenging for introverts, but it doesn’t have to be. By forming healthier coping methods, quitting gradually, and finding support, you can kick the habit more successfully.
