With the rollout of new government initiatives to reduce smoking rates, more smokers are considering limiting their smoking intake and even quitting smoking for good¹^,².

For successful smoking cessation, a study found that being able to manage nicotine dependence is a critical factor. Nicotine is a drug that causes addiction and tolerance. When smoking becomes habitual, the body will rely on nicotine over time to operate and hence, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms will kick in as soon as the intake is eased.

With various common misconceptions on quitting smoking and the tools available to aid one’s journey, we debunk three top myths to convince that a smoke-free journey is possible.

Myth 1: Willpower is the Best and Only Way to Quit

Quitting cold turkey is one of the most known ways to quit smoking, however it is also one of the most challenging ways to do so. In fact, the success rate for quitting cold turkey is low as it requires a great deal of mental strength.

It is also not the only way to quit smoking, as there are available tools and quit aids such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), that can also increase the success rates for quitting.

Myth 2: Nicotine Replacement Therapy is bad for you

There is a false perception that using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help quit will be just as bad for their health as smoking cigarettes.

Cigarette contains harmful chemicals which contribute to potential health risks. Nicotine, while present in cigarettes, serve as the addictive ingredient that hooks smokers on the habit. Using NRT allows smokers to greatly reduce their intake of cigarettes, thereby limiting the amount of inhaled tobacco smoke and minimise the associated health risks. Smokers can wean off nicotine gradually by following the recommended tapering regimen with NRT.

With NRTs, smokers are 9x more likely to succeed at quitting smoking when staying smoke-free for the first week of quitting, compared to smokers who did not.

Myth 3: Vaping can help to reduce nicotine dependence

Vaping is not a recognised cessation aid. While it does promote a higher speed of nicotine delivery, there is no conclusive evidence to prove their safety and efficacy. Vaping itself can be harmful, as it contains a combination of harmful chemical substances, including cancer-causing compounds.

Instead, there are alternative quit aids that have more rapid effects, such as nicotine sprays, that promote higher success rates with fast cravings relief.

It’s never too late to quit smoking, and the health benefits await! Do speak to your doctor or even to a quit counsellor on how best to kick the habit today.

References:
¹ IN FOCUS: Snuffing out smoking – is this the last mile in Singapore’s fight against tobacco?
² Tobacco Tax Increase Will Hurt Smokers’ Wallets But Most Say They Are Unlikely To Quit

Images: Envato and Nicorette