Smoking Cessation
Did you know that tobacco consumption is the main cause of preventable serious illness and death in Canada?
Smoking increases the risk of developing cancer, having a heart attack or hypertension ; not to mention catching the flu, the common cold, or pneumonia; or developing gum disease or cataracts, or suffering from other serious health problems.
Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive and very dangerous to your health.
Second-hand smoke is just as dangerous to you and your loved ones’ health as is smoking.
If you smoke, you are ruining your own health AND the health of those around you. It’s time to think about quitting!
Benefits of quitting smoking
For your health and well-being
- You reduce your risk of having a heart attack or dying from lung cancer.
- You will breathe easier and feel better as your lung capacity increases.
- You will also be able to lead an active, healthy life.
For your wallet
- You will save at least $4,000 a year (based on a package of cigarettes a day) that you can spend as you wish.
For those around you
- You will be a better example for your children, you will look healthier and no longer smell like cigarette smoke.
Barriers to quitting smoking
- Addiction: Nicotine is addictive, but cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which usually don’t last a long time, can be managed and overcome. Your commitment and efforts to quit will help you find the strength to overcome your nicotine addiction.
- Pleasure: Your body has become accustomed to the pleasure you feel from smoking a cigarette, but you can teach your body not to crave the next cigarette.
- Routine: Smoking is part of your daily routine.
- Fear of weight gain: Modest weight gain may be experienced by some people who quit smoking, but this can be managed by consuming a low-fat, balanced diet, based on Health Canada’s Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and participating in regular physical activity.
Readiness to quit
It’s always a good time to quit!
Quitting smoking usually happens in five stages:
- You are not even thinking about quitting.
This is probably because you still enjoy smoking or you don’t think you would be able to quit.
- You are thinking about quitting.
You may be starting to wonder why you still smoke and are considering the benefits of quitting, but you are still not ready to try.
- You decide to quit.
You are ready to try to quit and are looking for information to help you do it.
- You quit.
You set your goal, are avoiding temptation and managing your cravings. You have strategies to help you stay on target.
- You are a non-smoker.
You are enjoying the success of achieving your goal. You are able to manage your cravings.
Don’t forget!
Relapses are common when you quit smoking. But each time you try to quit, your chances of quitting permanently increase.
Ways to quit smoking
Non-prescription products: Several non-prescription products are available to help you quit smoking such as nicotine patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers.
Prescription products: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these products and their safety and effectiveness.
Non-drug options such as self-help groups, behaviour therapy as well as other forms of support and types of information can also help you.
Teens and tobacco
Teens start smoking for a variety of reasons:
Personal reasons related to behaviour: Tobacco is seen to acceptable and desirable, and is thought to boost self-esteem and self-image.
Local factors: Behaviour of parents and friends, tobacco advertising and the ready availability of cigarettes.
Strategies to prevent teens from smoking:
- Educate teens about the risks of smoking and the benefits of not smoking.
- Encourage teens and their families to get involved with anti-smoking campaigns in their schools and neighbourhoods.
- Encourage teens to become physically active.
- Increase the presence of non-smoking role models (at home, at school and within the community).
Being a successful quiter
To begin with, it is important to designate a Quit Day.
You can choose to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and to delay your first cigarette of the day, until you reach your Quit Day.
You chances of success will be greater if you have the support of your family, friends, colleagues and health care providers: they will all be happy to support your decision.
Pharmacy service
Your pharmacist can help you establish a personalized quit plan. This is important because this is your journey and you need to give yourself the best chances for success. They can also recommend strategies and tips to help you quit forever. You can do it, but only you can take the first step and decide to quit smoking.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and Accès pharma affiliated pharmacist-owners cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
