SHAHEDNEWS: More than one billion people worldwide use tobacco products, and many of them have tried to quit smoking multiple times. But which methods actually improve the chances of success?
According to SHAHEDNEWS, Quitting smoking is one of the most effective steps people can take to improve their health. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers tobacco use one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, responsible for more than eight million deaths every year.
However, many people say that quitting smoking is not easy, and some make several attempts before they finally succeed.
Research suggests that the good news is that evidence-based methods can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting.
One of the most common questions is whether smokers should gradually reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke or quit completely.
According to studies, both approaches can be effective, but many experts believe that setting a specific “quit date” and stopping smoking completely — especially when combined with appropriate treatment — offers a better chance of success.
What matters more is choosing a method that the individual can stick with.
Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, sprays, and inhalers are among the best-known methods for helping people quit smoking.
These products deliver controlled amounts of nicotine to the body without exposing people to the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke. They can help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and cravings.
Studies have shown that using these products correctly can increase the chances of successfully quitting, particularly when combined with counseling or other support programs.
Two of the main medications prescribed to help people quit smoking in many countries are varenicline and bupropion.
Varenicline works by reducing the pleasurable effects of smoking and decreasing cravings for nicotine, while bupropion affects certain neurotransmitters associated with addiction.
These medications should be used under medical supervision and may not be suitable for everyone.
This remains a subject of debate.
Some studies have found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes may help some people quit smoking.
However, the World Health Organization emphasizes that evidence regarding the long-term safety and effectiveness of these products is still incomplete. Non-smokers, particularly teenagers, should not take up e-cigarette use.
In many countries, nicotine replacement therapy and approved medications remain among the primary options for quitting smoking.
Research shows that combining medication with in-person, telephone, or online counseling can increase the chances of successfully quitting more than using either approach alone.
Today, many countries offer free quitlines, apps, and support programs for people who want to stop smoking.
Smoking-cessation experts say that relapse is part of the quitting process for many people and does not necessarily mean failure.
Examining what triggered the relapse — such as stress, being around people who smoke, or drinking alcohol — can help you develop a more effective strategy for your next attempt.
One of the most motivating aspects of quitting smoking is that the body begins repairing itself almost immediately.
20 minutes later: Heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop.
12 hours later: Blood carbon monoxide levels return to close to normal.
2 to 12 weeks later: Blood circulation and lung function improve.
One year later: The risk of coronary heart disease falls to about half that of someone who continues to smoke.
5 to 10 years later: The risk of stroke and certain cancers drops significantly.
15 years later: The risk of heart disease can approach that of someone who has never smoked.
Experts offer several common recommendations:
Set a specific date to quit.
Tell your family and friends about your decision.
Identify situations that trigger the urge to smoke.
If needed, use nicotine replacement therapy or prescribed medications.
If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt, try again and learn from the experience.
Ultimately, there is no single method that works best for everyone. But one point is consistent across much of the research: using evidence-based approaches — particularly when combined with behavioral support and, when appropriate, medication — can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting.
Perhaps most importantly, every attempt to quit, even if it does not result in complete success the first time, can bring you one step closer to quitting for good.
