Smoking Cessation
Last updated: August 6th, 2024
Smoking cessation helps smokers quit smoking. With many health risks known to be directly related to smoking, quitting smoking can help smokers reduce the risk of developing diseases that are, at least in part, caused by smoking.
With the benefits of smoking cessation needing no introduction, smoking cessation services can help smokers kick the habit and start a healthier life.
Nicotine is the addictive substance found in tobacco. In fact, a number of studies have shown nicotine to be very addictive. This means that withdrawal symptoms can also play a part in the difficulty of quitting smoking, which may include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Concentration problems
- Cravings
- Abnormal hunger
Withdrawal symptoms, however, tend to subside with time, making the process of staying tobacco-free that much easier.
Why get smoking cessation?
Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals with 70 of them known to be carcinogens, that is to say, are known to cause cancer. Moreover, other health risks are known to arise from smoking including serious health issues, diseases, and death.
Quitting smoking carries a lot of health benefits such as the reduced risk for lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases, reduced respiratory illnesses and reduced risk of infertility.
When should you get smoking cessation?
Due to the high level of risk associated with smoking, you should seek smoking cessation as soon as possible. Whilst it should be noted that quitting smoking is not easy, thanks to professional smoking cessation services you can find a lot of support on your journey to better health.
Studies have shown that people attempting to quit will often need several attempts before finally managing to stop for good. As such, if it is not your first time trying to quit there is no reason to feel bad about it - it is a perfectly natural part of the process.
Smoking cessation can help you quit smoking, even if you have attempted to quit before. With a number of different procedures and methodologies available, you can also try different methods to see which one works best for you.
Smoking cessation procedures
There are a number of different smoking cessation procedures which can help you quit smoking including:
NRT - Nicotine Replacement Therapy uses nicotine replacement products such as patches and chewing gum to deliver nicotine without the use of tobacco.
Medications - Medication used to reduce the pleasure smokers experience from smoking. Generally taken orally.
CBT - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy helps smokers change their behaviour towards smoking using evidence-based treatment.
Group / Individual Support - Support helps smokers quit through one-on-one support or group support led by professionals.
If you’re looking to quit smoking, get in touch with a medical professional who can better explain the options available to you.