Smoking cessation refers to the process of breaking a set pattern of smoking.
It describes the complete alteration of a smoking pattern in order to rid the habit of smoking and the continuous use of tobacco products.
Tobacco is a challenge and threat to human existence and psychological condition. According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O) statistics of tobacco-related death counts, over 8 million lives are lost to this cause yearly.
Nicotine, a component of this hard drug, is an addictive substance that deadens the smoker’s ability to restrict its use and strengthens their physical and psychological cravings. Quitting smoking can be a difficult routine and the journey of restriction can be a long detour.
Smokers who attempt unprofessional cessation of smoking in an effort to break their addiction, ultimately fail at it. This is because they are more likely to experience relapses in their health and psychological well-being. Some of these relapses include:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
In order to completely break the chain of addiction, smokers need to understand that addiction has a physical and psychological dependence at it’s core, hence necessitates basic strategies.
Basic Approach to Smoking Cessation
Set a reminder
Although adjusting to the change pattern may appear challenging, reminders maintain a powerful position in an individual life. It serves as a source of motivation in the face of temptation and withdrawal symptoms. Reminders can take the form of explaining the pleasurable benefits in quitting smoking, subscriptions to smoke-free daily tips, and motivational write-ups. These reminders help people stay on track with their smoking cessation goals.
Compliance with medication therapy
This therapy is an effective tool which requires the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. This medication helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms, lingering cravings and also help the individual to get back on track by maintaining abstinence.
Adjusting to behavioural therapy
This is a form of therapy that aims to help an individual develop coping mechanisms and manage relapse or withdrawal symptoms in a bid to approach the psychological and behavioural aspects of an addiction level. Motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, image rehearsal therapy, and other behavioural therapies used in smoking cessation might take the shape of a physical communication or virtual group.
Benefits of Smoking Cessation
- Improved health
- Quality lifestyle
- Improved blood circulation
- Lowered risk of chronic illness
Smoking is a leading cause of cancer, heart diseases and other severe health problems. Supervised smoking cessation can help in enhancing the overall health of an individual and lower the risk of various health problems.
