by Why People Should Quit Smoking
Smoking has significant health risks and can be harmful to both smokers and those around them. People continue to smoke despite being aware of the dangers due to nicotine addiction. Some of the key reasons why quitting smoking is important are:
Reduce Health Risks
Smoking causes various cancers such as lung cancer, throat cancer, and mouth cancer. It damages lungs and increases the risk of respiratory diseases like COPD and emphysema. Quitting smoking reduces these health risks over time. Within a few years of stopping smoking, the excess risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.
Improve Quality of Life
Smokers often experience coughing, shortness of breath, and reduced energy levels due to smoking. Quitting allows their lungs and general health to recover over time, improving quality of life. They feel fitter, have more stamina, and better lung capacity.
Save Money
The financial cost of Smoking Cessation and Nicotine De-addiction Products adds up quickly over time due to purchase of cigarettes. On average, smokers in spend over annually on cigarettes. This money can be better utilized for other needs after quitting smoking.
Role Model for Children
Parents who smoke negatively influence their children who are more likely to take up smoking themselves as teenagers or adults. Quitting smoking helps parents become positive role models for their children.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies
There are various medical and pharmaceutical options available to help address nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation attempts. Some of the commonly used nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) are:
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum releases small doses of nicotine when chewed to help reduce cravings. It comes in different strengths (2mg or 4mg) depending on a person’s smoking habit. Gum should be chewed slowly when cravings hit and then parked between gums and cheek when the urge subsides.
Nicotine Patches
Transdermal nicotine patches slowly release nicotine through the skin over 16-24 hours depending on the brand. This provides a background level of nicotine without the spikes from smoking to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Patches are available in various strengths (7mg, 14mg, 21mg) and worn for 16-24 hours daily depending on brand.
Nicotine Lozenges
Similar to gum, nicotine lozenges dissolve slowly in the mouth to deliver nicotine. They come in 2mg and 4mg strengths and are sucked on when cravings hit to get nicotine relief. Lozenges should not be chewed or swallowed.
Nicotine Inhalers
Nicotine inhalers resemble cigarettes and deliver nicotine vapor or aerosol through the mouth to ease cravings. The nicotine satisfies the hand-to-mouth habit of smoking. Each cartridge provides 8-16 puffs depending on brand.
Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes)
E-cigarettes or vape pens are battery-operated devices that heat a nicotine-containing liquid to generate an aerosol vapor instead of smoke. Some models replicate smoking actions. They come in various nicotine strengths which can be lowered gradually. While not approved as a quit smoking aid, they may help in place of conventional cigarettes.
Prescription Medications
Bupropion (Zyban)
Bupropion is an antidepressant shown to double quit rates when combined with counseling. It is taken in pill form once daily for 7-12 weeks and helps address both the physical and behavioral aspects of nicotine addiction. Common side effects include dry mouth and insomnia.
Varenicline (Chantix)
Varenicline is one of the most effective stop smoking medications currently available. By acting on nicotine receptors in the brain, it reduces cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Taken in pill form daily for 12-24 weeks as per a doctor’s prescription. Side effects may include nausea, headaches and changes in dreaming.
Combining medication with counseling yields the highest long term quit rates according to research studies. Behavioral support helps smokers cope with triggers, increase motivation and deal with withdrawal symptoms that medicines alone cannot fully address. With the right tools and approach, kicking the smoking habit is very possible
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
