Quitting smoking: a long way to go

Published on 28/05/2019

Quitting smoking- a long way to go

As we approach the next
World No Tobacco Day
the time is right to raise awareness about the many frightening complications of tobacco use. On the other hand, it is also important to keep in mind that it is possible to quit smoking, and while the journey may be somewhat arduous for some people, it is certainly worth it, given the many benefits.
The goal of World No Tobacco Day is to educate the public about the role of the lungs in human life. The campaigns also aim to help smokers better understand how harmful this habit is, not only to their own lungs, but also to those of their loved ones who live in the same environment.

Some important statistics on smoking

It is estimated that 6% of the European population
smokes 20 or more cigarettes per day
. In addition, some 13% of the population smokes less than a pack of cigarettes a day. On the other hand, it appears that men are much more likely to smoke than women. The prevalence of smokers varies across Europe. For example, it was found that the percentage of smokers in the Greek population was about 27%, compared to 8.7% in the Swedish population.

The benefits of quitting smoking

Smoking is excessively damaging, and can cause a host of problems in the human body. Fortunately, there are many potential benefits to quitting smoking. Let’s mention some of them:

    • Quitting smoking restores the brain’s circuitry. So the nicotine receptors in your brain will return to normal about a month after you quit smoking.
    • Smoking causes oxidative stress which eventually leads to premature aging of the skin. By quitting smoking, the skin becomes clearer, and wrinkles become progressively less prominent, which also helps protect against further acceleration of aging.
    • People often find that smoking causes stains on their teeth. By quitting smoking, their smiles start to become brighter after a few weeks, leading to a boost in self-confidence.
    • Smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer, as well as many other diseases that affect the respiratory system. When a person decides to quit smoking, it reduces the risk of developing lung cancer, as well as other types of lung disease.
    • Smoking not only has a significant impact on the lungs, but also has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. When a person quits smoking, his or her blood pressure will not reach high levels as often, which also reduces the risk of developing certain heart diseases.
    • Since smoking is known to cause problems with the circulatory and cardiovascular systems, quitting this unhealthy habit may also reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in men and improve the balance of estrogen levels in women.

The keys to good preparation

Breaking a habit such as smoking can be difficult. What’s more, you’ll probably need a lot of patience. Therefore, a good preparation can greatly facilitate your approach in order to put all the chances on your side. One of the best ways to prepare is to examine why you are committed to this goal. For many people, health problems are the reason behind the desire to quit smoking. They may be at risk for heart disease, such as hypertension, and want to minimize their risk of complications.
Others may feel the terrible effects of smoking on their skin and teeth, which can lead to low self-esteem and make the person feel uncomfortable in society.
When a person knows the reason for quitting smoking, it will essentially serve as an inspiration, a goal they can keep in mind whenever they feel that need for motivation to continue their journey.

How to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking can be done gradually or all at once. Each person should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method and then decide which is the best option for them. While many people prefer to quit smoking slowly and gradually, probably by reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke each day until they are smoke-free, others find it best to quit all at once. In this regard, it is important to note that abrupt cessation can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the person who decides to quit smoking in this way must be prepared to deal with such side effects.
There are some useful techniques that can be used to make the process of quitting smoking a little easier. Examples include:

    • The temporary use of nicotine patches
    • Avoiding certain incentives such as alcohol
    • Avoiding being in the company of other smokers.

If a person is having difficulty and does not feel able to quit smoking effectively, then it may be time to turn to a specialist in the field. It is also possible to contact a general practitioner or a doctor with experience in helping patients quit smoking. In addition, we also advise you to consult our platform, which allows you to easily find the specialists who can help you quit smoking through the use of more effective means or solutions.

A good understanding of the harmful effects of second-hand smoke

Many smokers do not understand that they are not the only ones affected by their habit. The second-hand smoke they expel still contains harmful substances and toxins that are
dangerous to those around them
. Second-hand smoke, also known as passive smoking, has also been found to increase the risk of cancer and other diseases such as stroke, mental health problems, blood vessel disease, and an even higher risk of heart attack.


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