Smoking Is a Psychological Problem

In spite of knowing the risks, why do smokers keep smoking? They feel compelled to do it because of mild anxiety and nervousness - produced by the smoking itself. The long lists of awful withdrawal symptoms trotted out by orthodox smoking-cessation counsellors are largely untrue; most smokers when they quit do not experience such symptoms - unless they think they will! Understanding this is the key to successful quitting.

In this ground-breaking book Dr Symonds exposes how the current approach of governments to the smoking problem is wrong-headed. It's based on the idea that the way to reduce smoking prevalence is by so-called 'tobacco control' - strong health warnings and horrible pictures on cigarette packs, plain packaging, restrictions on where you're allowed to smoke, increased cigarette taxation, etc. Though this has some effect, it doesn't get to the heart of the problem. Tobacco doesn't need to be 'controlled'; it needs to be abolished.

Further, for smoking-cessation the emphasis should shift away from nicotine products and drugs to being nicotine- and drug-free. More attention should be paid to evidence which shows the best way to stop smoking is - just stop. Many smokers achieve this on their own, and for those who need help, the Symonds Method is simple, quick and gimmick-free.