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When someone utters the words quit smoking, the first thing that comes to our mind is why should I quit smoking. If you are thinking of quitting, the reasons below will make you understand that you have created an excellent decision toward a better life. Quitting smoking is one of the most important decisions you can take to improve your health. Always remember that it is never too late to quit smoking. When we use tobacco, our brain releases a neurotransmitter named dopamine. It provides a feeling of relaxation and pleasure. Tobacco products contain many carcinogenic elements and almost 4000 chemicals that have mental, physical, and psychological effects.
- Increases your life expectancy once you quit smoking.
- Reduces the risk of diseases such as below
- Lung cancer
- Throat cancer
- Emphysema
- Heart disease
- High Blood pressure
- Ulcers
- Acid Refluxes
- Erectile and Sexual dysfunction (infertility, impotence)
- Kidney disease
- Chronic bronchitis
- Leukaemia
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Cataracts and macular degeneration
- Miscarriage and pregnancy complications
- Weakened immune system
- Cold, flu, and respiratory infections
- Gum disease and dental issues
- Osteoporosis
- Reduces the risk associated with respiratory and anaesthesia complications
- Quitting smoking will get you healthier
- It improves your sense of smell and taste
- Reduce stained teeth issues, skin wrinkles, etc
- Well, it will also help you to save a lot of money
People closer to smokers also get affected by second-hand smoking. Consuming tobacco products escalates the chances of lung cancer and heart diseases.
Children at your home also could be victims of second-hand smoking. They will likely develop asthma, respiratory infection, ear infection, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Symptoms of smoking addiction
There are several symptoms of addiction. To name a few.
- You cannot stop using cigarettes or tobacco products.
- Suffer from withdrawal symptoms when consuming tobacco products stops
- You keep smoking even when health complications arise.
What is the easy way to quit smoking?
There is no easy way to quit smoking. Every person has a unique smoking habit, and everyone has a different level of smoking addiction. What works for one person might not be helpful for the other. Therefore, various methods such as medication, behavioural therapies, exercise, nicotine replacement therapies, and counselling to quit applies to a different person.
Diagnosing the level of addiction:
To understand your nicotine addiction, your therapist needs to identify your addiction level and health conditions and plan your treatment options accordingly. But one most important thing is your commitment to quitting smoking.
Medication and Replacement Therapy:
Some medicines could help you to quit smoking. These medicines lessen the craving for tobacco. Use of replacement therapy with the help of nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, etc. They provide a measured dose of nicotine without the other harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoking. Replacement therapy will help you systematically defeat the addiction. There are some non-nicotine options, such as the use of antidepressants which increase dopamine production and improve your mood.
Home Care therapy for quitting smoking
It takes time to get rid of an addiction. You, in the meantime, have to go through withdrawal symptoms. To make the transition easy, you can follow the suggestions below.
- Remove cigarettes from your home or office drawers.
- Avoid being around other smokers.
- Have some snacks around to keep your mouth busy in case craving starts.
- Exercise regularly and eat healthy food.
Nicotine withdrawal effects
Be assured that you will face withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, headaches, etc. The first couple weeks could be difficult for you, but don’t give in. Stick to your commitment. With time withdrawal symptoms will go away but always be careful regarding relapse due to any trigger issue.
Top Benefits of Quitting Smoking:
- Quitting smoking will improve heart condition by lowering cholesterol levels and fatty deposits in your arteries. Your blood becomes thinner, and the chances of stroke are reduced.
- It will Improve your respiratory functions, and you will breathe easier once you quit smoking.
- Quitting smoking will improve your immunity. It will help your immune system regain strength as your WBC (white blood cell) counts will return to normal.
- Your bones and muscles will be stronger once you quit. Chances of Osteoporosis will reduce, and your bone density will increase. More oxygen will flow through your blood which will make your muscles healthier.
- Your taste and smell senses will be sharper once you quit smoking.
- Quitting smoking will lower the chances of getting cancer. The chances of developing lung cancer drop significantly after you quit smoking.
- It will help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Quitting smoking will reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, and as a result, you will get much better sleep.
- Quitting smoking will improve your life expectancy.
- Quitting smoking will help you save money which you can use for other valuable purposes such as food, hobbies, etc.
- Your oral health will improve once you quit smoking.
- By quitting smoking, you will save your loved ones from second-hand tobacco and help them get better health.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. (2022, July 23). Smoking cessation. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smoking_cessation&oldid=1099876038
- Wright, S. (n.d.). Nicotine and tobacco addiction: Causes, symptoms, treatment. WebMD. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/treat-nicotine-addiction