In recent years, the dangers of smoking have become well-documented, and the anti-smoking movement is now more powerful than ever. Indeed, most nations worldwide are now taking an active stance against the habit, forcing smokers outdoors to help protect others from the dangers of passive smoking.
A short history of the medical campaign against smoking
While the recent progress against smoking has been impressive, in truth, evidence of the dangers and addiction of smoking have long been documented. Indeed, the first research to discover the link between smoking and lung cancer was published in Germany in the 1920s, leading to, in effect, the world’s first anti-smoking campaign.
However, British scientists took a further study in the 1950s to establish a clear connection between the two. By the 80s, substantial evidence detailing the perils of smoking with populations around the world was urged to quit.
Diseases caused by smoking
Anyone in any doubt about how dangerous smoking need only look at the stats. It’s well-known that smoking causes cancer; however possible secondary diseases include:
- A greater chance of suffering a stroke
- Risk of lung diseases
- The possibility of developing diabetes
- The danger of suffering Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – including developing emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Increased risk of heart disease
Smoking has also been linked to problems with the immune system and increases the risk of tuberculosis, various eye diseases, and issues with teeth and gums. It has also been proven smoking can age the skin.
If the above list isn’t enough to give you a reason to stop, the World Health Organization also suggests that smoking kills up to half of its users while tobacco is the cause of death of more than 8 million people per year globally. It’s also sadly estimated that around 1.2 million of those deaths are attributable to second-hand smoke.
Tips and advice to stop smoking
The reasons to quit smoking are clear – but that doesn’t mean the process is in any way easy. Research has found nicotine to be among the five most addictive substances on earth, while the habitual and often comforting, relaxing sensation brought about by smoking a cigarette can prove seemingly impossible for many people to drop. Nonetheless, there are certain tried and tested tips you can try that should make quitting easier.
Use nicotine replacement patches, gums, and sprays, or try e-cigarettes: Multiple nicotine replacement options exist, which can considerably lessen your cravings and increase your chances of stopping. More importantly, they can also help you stay quit – which is often the biggest battle when trying to stop completely. Vaping has also been suggested as being a great help quitting as it replicates the feeling of smoking (and the look) but drastically reduces the number of toxins ingested. While more research is needed in the area to establish the possible dangers of vaping, most doctors agree it is considerably less dangerous than smoking. Look at starter vape kits to find a model and style that suits and give it a go.
Find delaying tactics – and avoid places where people are smoking: If you find yourself craving a cigarette, employ a delaying tactic to buy yourself time – like going and doing something else to keep yourself busy.
Avoid trigger moments, people, or places: You should also avoid places where people smoke – and even avoid friends who smoke (for a short while at least). It can be all too easy to give in to a craving when around other smokers. Try to stay away from situations where you used to smoke. Trigger moments are among the most dangerous in terms of quitting.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking ‘just one’ is ok: One of the most common reasons for people failing to quit (and stay quit) is the notion that it’s ok to just have one cigarette. Invariably, one leads to another and, before you know, you’ll have undone all the good work you did quitting in the first place.
Start doing more physical exercise: The health benefits of quitting smoking can be quite quick and taking up physical exercise will let you see tangible evidence that staying stopped is giving you a physical advantage. Exercise can also serve as a distraction, reducing cravings and helping you concentrate on other things.
Always remember to think of the considerable benefits of staying stopped: Smokers often talk about feeling a sense of loss when they quit but instead, you should try to focus on the benefits. There are multiple good reasons to stop, including becoming healthier, saving money, increasing your life expectancy, no longer smelling smoke, and reducing the risk of second-hand smoke to others.
