Smoking

It is the method of inhaling the smoke that emanates when a substance filled with tobacco or cannabis is lit up. It has been proved that smoking causes various diseases and ailments. Cigarettes, pipes, cigars, bidis, hookahs, and bongs are the methods by which smoking is pursued.

Ailments caused by smoking

  • Lung cancer
  • COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Heart-related diseases
  • Liver cancer
  • Oral cancer
  • Vision problem
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Stress and depression
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer

Types of smoking

Smoking is of three types, namely

First-hand smoking

In this case, the person (smoker) directly inhales the smoke that comes out from a cigarette, cigar, beedi, pipe, bong or hookah.

Second-hand smoking

Second-hand smoking or passive smoking is when a person doesn’t smoke directly but when he/she inhales the smoke coming from a cigarette, cigar, beedi, pipe, bong or hookah or maybe the smoke exhaled by a first-hand smoker.

Third-hand smoking

The invisible tobacco or cannabis dust along with chemicals remain in the environment even after the smoking substances used by a smoker is put-off. And when a person breathes in these substances it is third-hand smoking.

Ways to quit smoking

Set a date

First of all, self-control is a basic requisite to quit smoking. So it is essential to set yourselves a date to quit your smoking habit. It a week later, a month later or even a year later but please set a date to quit smoking. But make sure that as your every year New Year resolution your resolve to quit smoking doesn’t go for a toss!

Evade triggers

After, you have a set a date to quit smoking the next best thing to do to quit smoking is to evade the triggers that compel you to smoke. There may be many triggers that instigate you to smoke. Your loneliness, the time spent with your friends, eating habits and many more may be your triggers to smoke, evade your triggers to smoke to be successful in quitting smoking.

NRT/Nicotine replacement therapy

You may perhaps also go for Nicotine replacement remedy. Products with a low supply of nicotine are used in this therapy. NRTs are available as skin patches, chewing gums, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers. Before using NRT, please make sure to consult a physician

Non-nicotine medications

Similar to NRTs, you may also chance upon Non-nicotine medications. NRTs may help you to get rid off tobacco but keep it in mind that nicotine also is not good for health. Non-nicotine medications are more advisable for the ones who opt to give up tobacco and nicotine altogether. But as in the case of Nicotine replacement therapy, it is better to consult a physician before the intake of non-nicotine medications.

Behavioral support

You may quit smoking but to be successful in it and ensure that it doesn’t recur again, make sure you get behavioral support. You can opt for self-help or take the help of your dear and near or of an expert but seeking behavioral support will ensure that your smoking cessation is all effective.

Lifestyle change

Lifestyle is an important factor prompting smoking habits. Try introducing positive change to your lifestyle by indulging in activities like reading, swimming, hitting the gym, walking, meditation, self-defense training, etc. lifestyle change will play a positive role in helping you to achieve success in smoking cessation

Believe in yourself

Moreover, always believe in you. Stop pondering whether you will be successful in quitting smoking. Always think you will and can stop smoking. A positive attitude will result in realizing the desired results.

Consult a physician

If you have anything to clarify or to know more, never hesitate to consult a physician. In particular, when you decide to take anti-smoking medications it is always advisable to consult a physician as it may cause allergy or side-effects to you. Also, the prescription and dosage of the medications will vary depending on your age and health parameters. Thus it is always advisable to be supported by a physician.