On May 31st, the World Health Organisation marks World No Tobacco Day, shedding light on tobacco’s dangers to families, societies, and the environment. Individuals and communities worldwide work towards reducing tobacco use and its devastating consequences on health, society, and the environment. Joining the bandwagon, we have curated a theme, “Saying yes to NO Smoking” which amplifies awareness to refrain from smoking, ignites determination to sustain the commitment, and sparks a positive ripple effect, empowering individuals to make healthier choices and attain a smoke-free world.
Ignite your smoke-free journey now!
Quit smoking and breathe life anew.
Delve into the reasons to say no to tobacco, discover its impact, and ignite motivation for a smoke-free journey.
The Shackles of Tobacco Addiction
Let us be honest, thinking about quitting smoking is a lot easier than doing it.
The addictive properties of nicotine in tobacco make it challenging to break free from the shackles of tobacco and may result in withdrawal symptoms as well as cravings. Smoking addiction is a “three-link chain” of physical, social, and mental components that firmly grips individuals, restricting their freedom and jeopardizing their well-being [1].
Physically, nicotine imparts a pleasurable sensation by releasing dopamine in the brain, which makes only 6% of smokers quit in a given year [2]. This dependency causes withdrawal symptoms like craving, irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive and attention deficits when a regular user doesn’t take nicotine for too long.
However, withdrawal symptoms can be managed by practicing the 4 D’s which include:
–Delaying the craving
–Drinking water
–Deep breathing, and
–Doing something else or distracting [3].
Nicotine replacement therapies like gum, patches, inhalers, and approved medications can ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal, offering relief from nicotine addiction’s physiological effects [1].
On the social front, smoking often forms social connections, such as smoke breaks with friends or using it as an icebreaker.
Psychologically, smoking becomes ingrained in daily routines. To quit, it’s crucial to identify the emotional or situational triggers and modify behaviors through a personalized quit plan.[1]
Saying yes to NO smoking can bring a transformative shift toward a healthier, smoke-free life. Gather the courage to break free from the shackles of smoking, and reclaim control over our health and well-being.
The Health Consequences are for Real
Tobacco causes detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of the users. More than 8 million people lose their lives each year due to smoking. Out of those, over 7 million die from directly using tobacco, while around 1.2 million non-smokers suffer from being exposed to second-hand smoke [4].
Smoking has a profound impact on the overall health, including causing various types of cancer. Around 7 out of 10 cases of lung cancer, which accounts for 70% of cases, are caused by smoking [5]. The severely damaged lungs through smoking may lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma, etc. Nearly 8 in 10 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) are caused by smoking [6].
The damaging effects of smoking extend beyond cancer. Smoking causes 1 of every 4
deaths from cardiovascular disease [6]. Smoking has negative effects on sexual health as well. In men, it can cause erectile dysfunction by restricting blood flow to the penis.
Unlock the Benefits of a Smoke-Free Life
The benefits of a smoke-free life are numerous and far-reaching, ranging from improved health and well-being to financial and social advantages. It reduces the risk of many harmful health effects, like heart problems, lung diseases, and cancer. For individuals already facing conditions such as heart disease or lung problems, quitting smoking brings exceptional benefits. When a pregnant woman chooses not to smoke, it not only improves her own health but also safeguards the well-being of her growing baby.
Talking of financial benefits, quitting saves a whole lot of money and eases the financial burden that smoking brings. Quitting smoking stands as a remarkable shield, safeguarding your loved ones, colleagues, friends, and more from the perils of inhaling secondhand smoke [7].
Ignite the Flame of Change
Once tobacco users grasp the dangers lurking within, the desire to break free ignites. Saying no to tobacco encourages peers to be catalysts of change by sharing their stories, educating others about the dangers of tobacco, and supporting those on the journey to quit smoking. The combination of professional guidance and proven cessation medications has the potential to more than double the success rate for individuals trying to quit tobacco[4].
“Saying Yes to NO Smoking” creates a positive affirmation for a smoke-free life, with a collective effort to combat tobacco and build a healthier society. Let healthier choices guide our journey, motivating others to join, support, and break free from the shackles of tobacco. Breathe in freedom, and exhale a smoke-free future.
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References
1. The Science Behind Addiction, Successfully Quitting Smoking
https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/the-science-behind-addiction
2. Is Nicotine addictive?
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes/nicotine-addictive
3. What to expect when you quit smoking?
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/What-to-expect-when-you-quit-smoking
4. WHO:Tobacco
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
5. NHS: What are the health risks of smoking?
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-are-the-health-risks-of-smoking/
6. US Food & Drug Administration: Health Effects of Tobacco Use
https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/public-health-education/health-effects-tobacco-use
7. CDC: Benefits of Quitting
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/benefits/index.htm#:~:text=improves%20health%20status%20and%20enhances,(COPD)%2C%20and%20cancer.