The Chainsmokers reveal their surprising journey to liberation from their namesake habit, divulging seven pivotal strategies that catalyzed their victorious struggle against the clutches of nicotine addiction.
The Chainsmokers reveal their surprising journey to liberation from their namesake habit, divulging seven pivotal strategies that catalyzed their victorious struggle against the clutches of nicotine addiction.
We're all familiar with the hard-hitting beats from The Chainsmokers, a duo that's taken the electronic music scene by storm. But did you know that they once struggled with a habit harder to break than the music charts? That’s right; they had their fight against smoking. To inspire others on their smoke-free journey, they've spilled seven secrets they used to quit for good. Let's dive into these lifesaving strategies, seasoned with a dash of humor and spiced with interesting facts for good measure.
The first step towards freedom from smoking for the Chainsmokers was acknowledging the problem. As DJ Alex Pall articulately put it, "We were literally smoking our lives away, one puff at a time." Recognizing that their habit was affecting their health, both mental and physical, and their music, the duo decided it was time to break free. It's hard to hit the high notes after chain-smoking, after all!
Change is hard, doubly so when embarked on alone. Knowing this, The Chainsmokers turned to their support network. Alex and Drew made a pact to quit together, evident in Drew's Instagram post, "Smoke-free Sundays are better with a friend." They also drew strength from loved ones, fans, and health professionals. Drew emphasized, "Having that support system in place was crucial for us. We knew we weren't alone, and that really helped."
Weaning off cigarettes doesn't have to mean cold turkey–not unless you want it to be as dreadful as the 'Bird Temptation Scene' from Scary Movie 2. Instead, JUUL became The Chainsmokers' substitute. "We looked for healthier alternatives and found JUUL. It was a game changer," Alex confessed. While it's clear that JUUL isn't harmless, it's considered to be substantially less harmful than standard combustible cigarettes.
Drew used the newfound clear headedness and energy from quitting smoking as a catalyst for creativity. His songwriting flourished and resulted in hits like "Sick Boy" and "Hope." He suggests, “Turn your struggle into music, art, exercise, whatever your passion may be. For us, kicking the habit led to a burst of creative energy that was nothing short of empowering.” It’s the perfect symbiosis of art and life, akin to Da Vinci painting his masterpiece on an exceptionally clean canvas.
The road to quitting smoking is paved with cigarette butts of failed attempts–enough to make a smoker want to light one in frustration. The Chainsmokers had their fair share of slip-ups, but they didn't let these deter them from their overall goal. Facebook posts like, "Quit smoking AGAIN today. Damn you nicotine, you saucy minx!" show that each relapse was simply another chance to start stronger, not a reason to give up completely.
The Chainsmokers credit mindfulness as a significant tool in their recovery. Being present in the moment helped them deal with cravings and recognize the harmful effects smoking had on their body and mind. "Whenever I got the urge to smoke," Alex recalls, "I would pause, take a deep breath (yea, the irony isn't lost on me), and remind myself why I wanted to quit." Apparently, the benefits of taking a breather extend far beyond just pausing between tracks.
Finally, The Chainsmokers recognized the value in celebrating their progress. Each week smoke-free, month passed without lighting up, and even surviving stressful situations without the crutch of cigarettes, were all milestones worth toasting–preferably with sparkling water rather than champagne. As Alex put it, "Celebrating our victories, big and small, served as a reminder of our strength and resilience, and that was incredibly motivating."
Say what you will about their music, but there's no denying The Chainsmokers’ power to inspire when it comes to embracing smoke-free living. Using these seven strategies, the dynamic duo managed to unchain themselves from the clutches of smoking. Whether you're a chain smoker or occasional puffer, take it from The Chainsmokers: quitting is hard, but it's certainly not impossible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.