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The Illustrated Easyway to Stop Smoking

The Illustrated Easyway to Stop Smoking

A Smoker's Guide to Just How Easy It Is to Quit
by Allen Carr 2006 176 pages
4.1
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Smoking addiction is a psychological trap, not a physical need

Smokers do not CHOOSE to smoke. They feel COMPELLED to smoke.

The addiction illusion. Smoking is not a habit or a choice, but a powerful psychological trap. Smokers often believe they smoke for pleasure or stress relief, but in reality, they are slaves to nicotine addiction. The trap works by creating a false perception that cigarettes provide some benefit or fulfill a need, when in fact they only relieve the discomfort caused by nicotine withdrawal.

Breaking free from the trap. Understanding the nature of this trap is crucial for breaking free from addiction. Once smokers realize that cigarettes offer no genuine benefits and only create the problems they seem to solve, they can begin to change their perspective on smoking. This shift in mindset is the first step towards liberation from the addiction.

2. The "pleasure" of smoking is an illusion created by nicotine withdrawal

THE SOLE 'PLEASURE' OF SMOKING IS RELIEVING THE CRAVING FOR NICOTINE.

The nicotine cycle. What smokers perceive as pleasure from smoking is actually the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This creates a vicious cycle:

  • Nicotine level drops
  • Smoker feels uncomfortable
  • Smoker lights a cigarette
  • Nicotine level is temporarily restored
  • Cycle repeats

Unmasking the illusion. Recognizing this cycle helps smokers understand that they're not gaining anything from cigarettes, but merely relieving a discomfort that non-smokers don't experience. This realization can be powerful in breaking the psychological attachment to smoking.

3. Willpower alone is not enough to quit smoking successfully

You are LESS likely to succeed using WILLPOWER!

The pitfalls of willpower. Many smokers try to quit using sheer willpower, which often leads to failure and increased feelings of shame and helplessness. Willpower-based attempts create a sense of deprivation and struggle, making the process of quitting much more difficult than it needs to be.

A better approach. Instead of relying on willpower, successful quitting involves changing one's perspective on smoking. By understanding the true nature of the addiction and dispelling the myths surrounding smoking, quitters can approach the process with a positive mindset, making it much easier and more likely to succeed.

4. Fear and brainwashing keep smokers trapped in the addiction cycle

The SMOKING MONSTERS are your JAILERS, OWNERS and TORTURERS.

The power of fear. Fear plays a significant role in keeping smokers addicted. Common fears include:

  • Fear of failure
  • Fear of withdrawal symptoms
  • Fear of losing a coping mechanism
  • Fear of social situations without cigarettes

Breaking the brainwashing. Smokers are often brainwashed by societal messages and their own rationalizations about smoking. Recognizing and challenging these false beliefs is crucial for breaking free from the addiction. By questioning the perceived benefits of smoking and understanding its true nature, smokers can begin to see through the lies that keep them trapped.

5. Quitting smoking is not a sacrifice, but a liberation

STOPPING IS NOT PUNISHMENT! SMOKING IS THE PUNISHMENT!

Reframing the quitting process. Many smokers view quitting as giving up something valuable or pleasurable. This perspective makes quitting feel like a sacrifice or punishment. However, understanding that smoking offers no genuine benefits allows quitters to see the process as a liberation from a harmful addiction.

Embracing freedom. By reframing quitting as gaining freedom, better health, more money, and improved quality of life, smokers can approach the process with excitement and positivity. This mindset shift is crucial for successful and happy quitting.

6. The physical withdrawal from nicotine is minor and short-lived

Even HEAVY SMOKERS are able to abstain for long periods without it bothering them while... ON PLANES... AT WORK... or DURING A HOSPITAL STAY.

Demystifying withdrawal. Many smokers fear the physical withdrawal symptoms of quitting. However, these symptoms are generally mild and last only a few days. Common withdrawal effects include:

  • Slight feelings of emptiness or insecurity
  • Occasional cravings
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating

Overcoming the mental hurdle. Understanding that the physical aspect of quitting is manageable helps smokers focus on the more important psychological aspects of breaking the addiction. This knowledge can provide reassurance and confidence during the quitting process.

7. Changing your mindset is the key to becoming a happy non-smoker

EASYWAY holds the key that will set you free and it opens only ONE THING... YOUR MIND!

The power of perspective. The key to successful quitting lies in changing how one thinks about smoking. By dispelling myths, understanding the true nature of the addiction, and recognizing the benefits of quitting, smokers can transform their mindset from that of a deprived addict to a liberated non-smoker.

Embracing a new identity. As smokers shift their perspective, they can begin to see themselves as non-smokers immediately after their last cigarette. This new identity reinforces the decision to quit and makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

8. There is no such thing as "just one" cigarette after quitting

'Just one' cigarette is the first link in a whole CHAIN OF MISERY.

The danger of "just one". Many ex-smokers fall back into addiction by convincing themselves they can have "just one" cigarette. This is a trap that often leads back to full-time smoking. Understanding that there's no such thing as a casual smoke for an ex-smoker is crucial for maintaining freedom from addiction.

Maintaining resolve. By recognizing that even a single cigarette can reignite the addiction cycle, ex-smokers can strengthen their resolve to remain smoke-free. This understanding helps in avoiding temptations and maintaining long-term success.

9. Envying smokers or avoiding smoking situations hinders success

DON'T AVOID SMOKERS OR SMOKING SITUATIONS.

Facing temptations head-on. Avoiding smokers or situations where smoking occurs can reinforce the idea that the ex-smoker is missing out on something. This can lead to feelings of deprivation and increase the likelihood of relapse.

Embracing your new freedom. Instead of avoidance, ex-smokers should:

  • Attend social events confidently
  • Observe smokers with pity rather than envy
  • Celebrate their freedom from addiction
  • Enjoy social situations more fully without the need to smoke

10. Celebrate becoming a non-smoker immediately after your last cigarette

YOU ARE A NON-SMOKER FROM THE MOMENT YOU STUB OUT THE FINAL CIGARETTE!

Immediate identity shift. The moment a smoker puts out their final cigarette, they become a non-smoker. This immediate shift in identity is powerful and should be celebrated. There's no need for a transition period or gradual process – the change is instant.

Embracing your new life. Celebrating this change helps reinforce the positive aspects of quitting and creates a sense of accomplishment. Ex-smokers should:

  • Feel proud of their decision
  • Look forward to the health benefits
  • Enjoy their newfound freedom
  • Share their success with others

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.1 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The illustrated easyway to stop smoking receives mostly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.10/5. Many readers report successfully quitting smoking after reading the book, praising its approach to changing mindsets about smoking. Some find it repetitive but effective in reinforcing key ideas. Critics argue it's just a sales pitch for seminars or that willpower is still required. The book's success seems to depend on the reader's readiness to quit and their willingness to embrace the method.

Your rating:

About the Author

Allen Carr was a prolific author who specialized in books about overcoming addictions, particularly smoking and alcohol. His personal experience as a heavy smoker for 33 years, consuming up to 100 cigarettes daily, informed his work. Carr's breakthrough came when he successfully quit smoking himself, which inspired him to develop his "Easyway" method. This approach focuses on changing the smoker's perspective on their habit rather than relying on willpower or nicotine replacement therapies. Carr's books have helped countless people worldwide overcome their smoking addiction, and his methods have been applied to other dependencies as well.

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