Based on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s studies, smokers have a 50% higher risk of developing severe diseases and dying from COVID-19. If smokers can quit immediately, they not only lower this risk from the coronavirus, but also cut down the risk of developing cancers, heart diseases, and respiratory illnesses. Considering roughly 39% of men and 9% of women use tobacco worldwide, WHO encourages countries to support anti-smoking campaigns and create tobacco-free environments, along with giving people the adequate information and tools to quit for good.
One of the ways we’re seeing this recommendation being taken seriously is when countries strengthen their laws against tobacco. As we highlighted in our post called “Legislation Smoking on Playgrounds and Public Beaches Will Be Banned From Sunday”, smoking in certain areas around Helsinki – such as playgrounds and public beaches – will be banned to protect young children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The initiative also aims to reduce littering and environmental damage caused by smoking. Still, bans on smoking in public may not be enough. Many smokers may still be struggling in private, given the addiction. Smokers should consider alternative ways to quit, such as:
Look into acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique belonging to Traditional Chinese Medicine, which involves inserting needles at points on the body, which are believed to influence specific organ functions. According to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine’s study, acupuncture is currently promoted as a treatment for smoking cessation to control withdrawal symptoms. Although there is still limited, high-quality evidence that suggests acupuncture alone is effective for smoking cessation, it may be beneficial when partnered with interventions like counseling. During treatment, a licensed acupuncturist will insert thin needles in the liver, lung, kidney, and other points to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as jitters, cravings, irritability, and restlessness.
Try out quitting medication
Currently, there are two quit-smoking medicines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to help smokers quit. These are pills called bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix). Bupropion acts on chemicals in the brain to reduce cravings and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, while varenicline interferes with the nicotine receptors in the brain; not only does varenicline decrease symptoms, but it also reduces the pleasure you derive from tobacco use so you don’t feel the “buzz.” Of course, there are still risks with using these medications, as with any other drug, so it’s best to consult your doctor before getting a prescription.
Cut down with nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches are products that contain nicotine and other ingredients, but without any tobacco, limiting the negative side effects caused by the plant. Users place the pouch in between the cheek and gum to absorb nicotine orally. There are many different types of nicotine pouches available on the market, but ZYN nicotine pouches by Swedish Match come highly recommended if you’re trying to reduce your tobacco intake. ZYN pouches are tobacco-free, and come in a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths, so you have more control over your nicotine intake as well. Once you’re done using your nicotine pouch, you can easily dispose of it by wrapping it in tissue and tossing it with your other waste products.
Experiment with nicotine replacement therapy
With millions of people around the world quitting smoking over the past few decades, there have been plenty of products developed to aid these attempts. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) includes skin patches, chewing gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers designed to slowly wean you off of cigarettes by supplying you a controlled dose of nicotine. Depending on your physician’s instructions, you’ll use one or more of these products over a few weeks so you get used to nicotine less and less. NRT is a rapidly growing segment in the market, so much so that brands are shifting. Philip Morris International’s nicotine gum, which they acquired from Fertin Pharma alongside Vectura Group’s nicotine inhalers, will be part of the company’s new anti-smoking position.
Indeed, there are innovations to help smokers quit smoking cigarettes permanently. What is essential is that you look to explore alternatives to meet your needs and health goals.
