According to a study conducted by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington on Quit Smoking, it was noted that India gained 35 million smokers each year keeping the smoking rate to 13 per cent.
Smoking is the greatest single cause of illness and premature death in the world. Almost everyone for sure knows and are aware that smoking is a poor choice of habit to follow. But why do they still hold on to it? Why not just quit smoking?
Smoking as an Addiction
Addiction to smoking a cigarette is mainly caused due to the presence of Nicotine among the many other chemicals found in it. When you inhale the nicotine, it immediately rushes to your brain, where it produces feelings of pleasure and reduces stress and anxiety. The very idea of all this can be tempting, which is why many depend on it.
The physical part of it is the inhalation, smoking gets complicated when it becomes a habit. You see, when it is a habit you start craving for it and moulding your lifestyle accordingly. It starts with smoking a puff during breaks to a puff before a meal and then another after and before you know it you are an addict! But it’s not just a habit, your emotions come into play and keep you trapped in the cycle. It is never too late to quit smoking. But what re the best ways to quit smoking?
It is not impossible to quit smoking. But it sure does require commitment from your side. If you don’t have the will, just go through our other blogs to get an idea about the kind of health failures you might face in the future. Hopefully, that should give you the much-needed motivation to quit smoking:
Behavioral therapy and Nicotine replacement therapy i.e. nicotine chewing gums are very effective. Nicotine chewing gums helps in controlling the acute cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Evidence has shown that using NRT helps increase the chances of quitting by about 50% to 70%.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Why is it important to quit smoking?
The real question is- Don’t you want to live? Imagine a life where you can actually predict your death. A slow painful death all because you couldn’t get rid of one harmful habit called smoking. Does such a thought appeal to you? If you were going to throw away your life and everything you have built for yourself just over a mere addiction, why take so much effort anyway. Right?
But it is not too late to take the first step! Just quit smoking. Believe in yourself and stick to the plan. Did you know that:
Also Read: What Causes Yellow Teeth: Unpacking Oral Health Misconceptions
If you are having a hard time coping with quitting, remember that you are not alone. Here is a list of alternative coping techniques to help you quit smoking:
Avoid alcohol and other such triggers especially stress during the first couple of weeks of quitting smoking, and indulge yourself in music, relaxation, massage, and other hobbies to divert you from the urge.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Alternatives for smoking
Read More: 10 Ways to Quit Smoking
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
