Doctors share effective strategies to quit tobacco addiction on World No Tobacco Day

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: On World No Tobacco Day, observed every year on May 31, doctors discuss strategies to quit tobacco addiction. This global event aims to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, the practices of tobacco companies, and the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat tobacco use. Here are some tips from doctors in the city on overcoming tobacco addiction.

Dr Satish MBBS and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons highlights the accessibility of tobacco in India as a major challenge in quitting smoking and chewing tobacco. The easy availability contributes to the growing addiction in the country. According to a counsellor at the Shakthi De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Center, seeking professional help is the crucial first step in overcoming tobacco addiction.

Techniques such as walks, nicotine patches, nicotine gums, and music can be helpful, but their effectiveness depends on individual factors such as consumption level, duration, and intensity of addiction. Sheetal Lakhani, a PhD scholar in clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, advises quitting today rather than postponing, as the brain becomes increasingly accustomed to the chemicals, making it harder to quit with each use. Having the support of others can make quitting easier.

Setting a quit date, marking it on the calendar, and sharing the plan with close friends and family can provide motivation. Support groups like Nicotine Anonymous and Smokers Anonymous can also be beneficial. It's important to set realistic goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Simply making promises based on information found elsewhere may not be effective.

For those already on the path of quitting or undergoing deaddiction, Sheetal emphasises the need to be prepared for withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and constipation. It's essential to remember that a lapse is not a relapse and to show self-love and appreciation for the progress made while remaining committed to personal health goals.