Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s possible
Get to Know Medicines with Chulalongkorn University Pharmacists: Quitting smoking isn't easy, but it's possible.
As mentioned last week, May 31st of every year is World No Tobacco Day. Over the past 6–7 years, we’ve seen a shift in smoking habits from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes. However, the health risks remain largely the same. While e-cigarettes don’t involve combustion like traditional cigarettes, the vapor still contains numerous harmful substances, such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and various carcinogens. These can negatively affect the respiratory system, as well as the heart and blood vessels. E-cigarettes are often designed to be attractive to young people with pleasant scents, a variety of flavors, and a modern appearance making them appealing to teens who may try them out and become addicted to nicotine at an early age. This, in turn, impacts brain development and long-term health.
The main factor behind addiction whether from traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes is nicotine. This is a psychoactive substance that stimulates the brain to produce feelings of pleasure, leading to dependency. Even though e-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco, they deliver nicotine in vapor form, which is rapidly absorbed into the lungs. Because e-cigarettes are compact, odorless, and easy to carry, users can smoke them frequently and unconsciously. This frequent use can lead to nicotine building up in the body even more so than from traditional cigarettes in some cases without users realizing it.
In summary, the danger of e-cigarettes lies in how easily they can lead to addiction and how difficult they can be to quit. They’re more convenient, don’t require lighting up, and are easier to use. This ease of access makes people more likely to use them more often, which increases dependency and makes quitting even harder. As of now, there are still no specialized programs tailored to quitting e-cigarettes, only adaptations of traditional smoking cessation methods.
That said, no type of smoking benefits your health. The sooner you quit, the better. If we’re honest with ourselves, addiction no matter the form reflects a certain vulnerability. Being able to quit is a sign of real strength. So to those trying to quit, know that even deciding to stop is already a huge step and a true act of self-love and care.
Here are 8 steps that can improve your chances of successfully quitting smoking:
1. Acknowledge that smoking is harmful to yourself and others. Set a clear goal why do you want to quit? For your child? For your health? To save money? And set a definite quit date within the next 1–2 weeks. 2. Evaluate your level of nicotine dependence a pharmacist nearby or online self-assessments can help. The result will indicate whether medication may be needed. 3. Seek expert support. Call the Quitline (1600) or speak directly with a pharmacist at a nearby pharmacy. Many of them have helped people quit successfully. 4. Plan a quitting strategy that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you usually smoke when meeting friends, try avoiding those social gatherings for a while. 5. Prepare for nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which often peak in the first week such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, or drowsiness. Drinking plenty of water and light exercise can help. The key mantra: “This too shall pass.” 6. Be ready for triggers. If you can avoid them, do so. If not, find alternatives for example, go for a walk during your usual smoking break. 7. Track your success. Record the date you quit, celebrate small milestones, and reward yourself along the way. 8. If you relapse, forgive yourself. Don’t view it as failure and don’t give up entirely. Mistakes happen it’s normal. Only those who never try make no mistakes.As for medications to help quit smoking, they’re generally recommended for individuals with a high level of dependence. Before starting medication, it’s important to assess any contraindications and determine the most suitable type for the individual. Doctors or pharmacists will tailor the treatment plan based on each person’s needs and how they respond to the therapy. Still, remember medication is only a tool. Your determination is the key to success.
Finally, we want to encourage everyone making the decision to quit. If you’re already using medication or have questions, you can reach out to @guruya (Drug Information Center) or consult in person at Osotsala, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan
Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University
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