Tips for smoking cessation

Certainly! Quitting smoking is a challenging but worthwhile process that requires a combination of strategies and support to overcome cravings and cues. Here are some best and simple ways to prevent cravings and cues of smoking, maintain your health, and break the addiction:

1.Set a quit date: Choose a date to quit smoking and make a plan. Write down your reasons for quitting and develop strategies to deal with cravings and triggers.

2.Identify your triggers: Identify the situations, emotions, or activities that trigger your urge to smoke, such as stress or boredom. Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan to avoid them or find ways to manage them.

3.Replace smoking with healthier habits: Find healthier ways to deal with stress or boredom, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. You can also replace smoking with healthier habits, such as chewing gum or snacking on fruits and vegetables.

4.Use nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches or gum, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.

5.Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive people who can help you stay motivated and accountable. Consider joining a support group or seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist.

6.Stay active and eat healthy: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce stress and improve your overall health, which can make it easier to quit smoking.

7.Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help you manage stress and reduce the urge to smoke.

8.Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can trigger cravings for cigarettes. Consider avoiding them or limiting your intake during the quitting process.

Smoking cessation statistics:-

In the United States in 2018, 55% of adult smokers had attempted to quit smoking in the past 12 months. (CDC, 2020)

Only 3% to 5% of smokers successfully quit smoking without professional help. (European Respiratory Journal, 2016)

A 2017 study on the smoking cessation medication Chantix (varenicline) found that 1 in 11 smokers successfully stopped smoking for at least six months. (American Family Physician, 2017)

Approximately 1 in 5 smokers are able to stop smoking successfully with bupropion SR. (International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2008)

Secondhand smoke statistics

There are more than 41,000 deaths in the United States each year due to secondhand smoke exposure. (CDC, 2021)

Between 1964 and 2014, about 2.5 million nonsmokers died from exposure to secondhand smoke. (U.S. Surgeon General, 2014)

About 35% of children living in the United States have been exposed to secondhand smoke. (American Lung Association, 2020)

Secondhand smoke is linked to between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 18 months old each year, resulting in 7,500 and 15,000 hospital visits. (American Lung Association, 2020)

Secondhand smoke causes 430 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths in the U.S. annually. (American Lung Association, 2020)

Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at a 25% to 30% increased risk for developing heart disease. (CDC, 2021)

In the United States each year, more than 8,000 stroke deaths are linked to secondhand smoke exposure. (CDC, 2021)