While many come to our Mississippi rehab center for alcohol and drug addiction, giving up cigarettes can be an entirely different challenge. In many cases, people in recovery struggle to stop smoking, and in some cases, their smoking habits may even get worse. This may lead you to the question, “Can you smoke cigarettes in rehab?”
Woodland Recovery Center understands the difficulties of quitting smoking while in recovery. That’s why our treatment center allows smoking for our clients in designated areas outside of the main treatment center. We also offer support and resources for those who are looking to quit smoking during their stay with us. If you want to learn more about Woodland Recovery Center and what we provide at our center, call 662.222.2989 to speak to one of our team members today.
Can You Smoke in Rehab?
While rehab is about quitting substance and alcohol use, cigarettes are often considered the exception. This thought process may occur for a few different reasons. It’s not uncommon for people in recovery to trade one addiction for another. Because they are struggling to fill the void left behind by their drug of choice, they will turn to something else instead.
Switching to smoking cigarettes may seem easy, but it often becomes an unhealthy, addictive habit that’s hard to quit. People often smoke or use substances during stressful times. In early recovery, these feelings can be intense, leading individuals to rely on cigarettes for comfort when their primary substance is unavailable. Some in recovery feel quitting cigarettes at the same time would be overwhelming and see smoking as a support during their sobriety journey. However, smoking cigarettes while undergoing addiction treatment could have significant impacts on your recovery.
Does Smoking Cigarettes Harm Your Recovery
While smoking might seem like a comforting habit during rehab, it can actually hinder your recovery journey in several ways. Here are some reasons why smoking cigarettes can be damaging:
- Increased stress – Believe it or not, smoking can actually increase stress and anxiety over time, making it harder to focus on your recovery goals.
- Health risks – Smoking is linked to a lot of health issues, such as lung disease and heart problems, which can become new challenges during recovery.
- Financial strain – The cost of cigarettes can add up, creating additional financial stress, which is not helpful when trying to prioritize recovery.
- Addiction replacement – Smoking can become a substitute for the addiction you are working to overcome, delaying progress and creating new dependencies.
Smoking does not offer a healthy way to handle stress or anxiety. On the contrary, it might encourage using cigarettes as a crutch to cope instead of developing healthier habits and coping skills. Smoking affects your health, impacting strength, and energy during recovery. Quitting all addictions, including cigarettes, builds a foundation for a healthier, substance-free life.
Effective Strategies for Quitting Smoking During Rehab
One good way to quit smoking is by trying behavioral therapies. These help people find out what makes them want to smoke and teach them how to deal with cravings and stress without cigarettes. Doing activities like meditation or yoga can help control emotions and make it easier to avoid smoking.
Joining support groups can also be helpful because you can meet others who are trying to quit smoking, too. Using things like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely. By using these methods and making healthier life choices, people can have a better chance of quitting smoking for good. Rehab is a supportive environment for making these changes and finding new ways to cope without the crutch of cigarettes.
Call Woodland Recovery Center to Learn More About Enrolling in Our Rehab Program
At Woodland Recovery Center, we are committed to providing our clients with the tools they need for a successful recovery. We understand that quitting smoking can be tough, especially while undergoing addiction treatment. That’s why we offer support and resources for those looking to quit smoking during their stay with us. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, including nicotine addiction, give us a call 662.222.2989 today to learn more about Woodland Recovery Center. You can also contact us online with any questions or concerns you might have about addiction treatment.
