Fact or Urban Legend? What You Need to Know About QUITTING SMOKING

Tobacco use ranks first among preventable causes of death worldwide; it is a leading cause of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and also an important cause of type-2 diabetes. In 2018 alone, smoking caused 2.1 million cancer patients to lose their lives... Nearly 70 percent of smokers report wanting to quit, but quitting can be difficult and often requires more than one attempt. Various approved medications are available to help people quit successfully. However, there are also many urban legends / fictional claims / myths about quitting smoking. We therefore wanted to share the myths about quitting and the facts behind these claims.

The best way to quit smoking is to stop abruptly!

FALSE

There is no single “right way” to quit smoking, but many smokers try to quit abruptly and do not succeed. The good news is that several proven methods can help you quit. Nicotine replacement therapy products and prescription medications can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings while you try to quit. Research shows that using smoking-cessation medications can double your chances of quitting successfully, and behavioral support (such as counseling) can improve your chances. In fact, according to various studies, combining medication and behavioral support is more effective than either alone.

All smoking-cessation medications are the same.

FALSE There are 3 different internationally approved types of medication to help you quit smoking: nicotine replacement therapies, bupropion (Zyban), and varenicline (Champix). Nicotine replacement medications come in five forms: inhaler, nasal spray, patch, gum, or lozenge. Medications differ in how they affect the body, how they are used, and how long they should be used. Some are available without a prescription, while others require a prescription from your doctor. Talk to your doctor to determine which option is most suitable for you.

E-cigarettes are not an approved method for helping people quit smoking.

TRUE

E-cigarettes arenot approved as an aid to quitting smoking and may expose users to some of the same toxic/harmful chemicals found in combustible cigarette smoke. There are proven, safe, and effective ways to quit. One way to start is to speak to your doctor to determine which option may be best for you. You can also call the Smoking Cessation Line at 171 for more information, free tips, and tools to help you quit.

Nicotine is not the main cause of cancer in most tobacco products.

TRUE

In cigarettes and other tobacco products, including most e-cigarettes, nicotine is the main addictive substance. Nicotine is a naturally occurring addictive chemical in tobacco that keeps people smoking. However, although nicotine has many toxic/harmful effects on the body, it is not the main cause of cancer or other smoking-related chronic diseases. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7.000 chemicals, and these can cause more than 70 cancers. Examples of chemical carcinogens in cigarettes include tobacco-specific nitrosamines, benzo-a-pyrene, benzene, and arsenic.

Using more than one nicotine replacement therapy product at the same time is dangerous.

FALSE

Although each nicotine replacement product is considered an individual therapy (a medication used alone), two different nicotine replacement products can be used together while trying to quit smoking. For example, some smokers may use a nicotine patch for general relief of withdrawal symptoms, followed by nicotine gum or an inhaler for a sudden urge to smoke. It may take more than one attempt to find the best option to help you quit.

Research shows that nicotine replacement therapy is safe and effective for almost all adults, but some people shouldnot use it. Pregnant women, adolescents, and people with serious health problems such as heart disease and stomach ulcers should talk to their doctor before using nicotine replacement therapy. Also, if you are considering combining nicotine replacement products, talk to your doctor to help decide whether combination therapy is right for you.

Nicotine replacement gum is different from regular chewing gum.

TRUE

Unlike regular chewing gum, nicotine gum works best when placed between the cheek and gum. When you put nicotine gum in your mouth, you should start chewing when you feel the tingling that indicates nicotine is being released. Then stop chewing and place it between your cheek and gum. When the distinctive taste or tingling fades, repeat the chewing and placing between the gums. This helps your body absorb nicotine.

Nicotine replacement therapy can only be used for a short period.

FALSE

The duration listed in the package leaflet may work for some smokers but not others. If you think extending your use would help you remain smoke-free, talk to your doctor.

If you tried nicotine replacement therapy in the past and it did not work, you can try it again.

TRUE

Research shows that most smokers need multiple attempts to quit, even when using a proven cessation medication such as nicotine replacement therapy. The best thing to do is try again. With each new attempt, the likelihood of quitting smoking is greater.

There are alternative treatments you may benefit from in addition to approved smoking-cessation practices.

TRUE

Some alternative treatments, such as hypnosis and acupuncture , may also help you quit smoking. Current research examining hypnosis and acupuncture for smoking cessation provides moderate scientific evidence, and larger studies are needed. However, choosing them as alternative treatments poses no health concern. The only disadvantages of hypnosis and acupuncture are their cost and the time they require.

Knowing the facts and using proven methods to quit smoking can improve your chances of success. However, if you do not succeed on the first try, remember that every attempt matters.

*

- Related topic: How long does nicotine from cigarettes and electronic cigarettes remain in the body?