Tobacco kills up to half of all users. However, there is a growing number of aids and medicines available to help smokers quit, so please don’t give up hope. Doctors are now also able to successfully tailor treatment plans to suit individual smokers’ needs.

Facing facts

Every 6.5 seconds a current or former smoker dies, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In South Africa, tobacco-related diseases kill over 44 000 people annually (National Council Against Smoking).

All tobacco products are deadly, including snuff, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing-tobacco, “snus” and water pipes (also known as “hubbly bubbly”, “shisha” and “hookah”), according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Second-hand smoke has been classified as a substance known to cause cancer in humans. A relatively new concept is third-hand smoke; smoke that clings to hair, skin, clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other surfaces, even long after smoking has stopped. Infants, children and non-smoking adults may be at risk of tobacco-related health problems when they inhale, ingest or touch substances containing third-hand smoke, warns CANSA.

Although it has never been easy it is definitely not impossible to quit smoking. There is, in fact, a growing body of researched evidence that points to the quitting success rate of certain medications and nicotine-replacement therapies. However, there is one important prerequisite to success, namely a determination and deep desire to kick the habit!

Road to success

To succeed, you need to understand and accept that the smoking habit has two components:

    • The pharmacologic components of nicotine addiction and withdrawal
    • The psychological (behavioural) components associated with nicotine dependency.

Giving both of these a kick in the butt will help you put out those butts pretty quickly too!

Plan of action

As mentioned above, smoking is much more than just being addicted to nicotine; it also includes the rituals that each smoker associates with his or her habit.

Two of the main methods used to solve the above, are:

    • Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and anti-smoking medicines to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms
    • Counselling and support.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

The main aim of NRT is to supply safer, alternative forms of nicotine (gums, lozenges, patches, inhalers and nasal sprays and electronic cigarettes) to help curb withdrawal symptoms. The amount of nicotine is then gradually reduced until you can go without it. Both inhalers and nasal sprays require a doctor’s prescription.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered and contain a liquid nicotine mixture which is converted into a vapour when inhaled. There are some concerns about the safety of some of the substances in e-cigarette vapour and more research is needed to be able to declare them safe and effective.

High-dose nicotine replacement therapy is another NRT option available to heavy smokers. According to research findings, heavy smokers’ withdrawal symptoms go away with these higher doses and their cravings decrease without harmful effects. However, this option should only be considered by those who are free of heart or other health problems and with a doctor’s guidance and supervision.

Please note, however, that you cannot continue smoking while on NRT and you should not use nicotine-based products if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, a light smoker or an adolescent. Most forms of NRT are meant to be used for limited periods of time and use should be tapered down before it is stopped.

An interesting development in addressing the psychological and behavioural dependence on smoking is the use of plastic cigarettes that feel like the real thing but do not contain nicotine. The inhalers in these cigarettes contain a fibre sponge filter plug soaked in herbal aroma oil and researchers found them very effective.

Anti-smoking medicines

There is a variety of very effective anti-smoking medicines (also herbals) on the market and new ones are being added regularly. Some of these medicines work by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain and curbing the cravings while others help with intense withdrawal symptoms. You will need your doctor’s assistance in deciding the pros and cons of each medicine and whether to combine it with NRT or not. Your doctor can also prescribe treatment to minimise weight gain and solve other problems associated with quitting smoking. He or she can work out a tailor-made treatment plan to suit your individual needs.

Anti-smoking vaccines, given as a series of injections are still being studied.

Counselling and support

Research points out that the more support and counselling (combined with medicine and NRT) you receive, the better your chances of successfully kicking the habit. Counselling may help you identify smoking triggers, how to resist cravings and not give up or become despondent.

Counselling and support may include any of the following approaches:

    • Working out a tailor-made quit-smoking programme with the help of your doctor
    • Enrolling in a quit-smoking programme through your EWP, medical aid or community health centre
    • Joining online support groups
    • Asking friends and family to support you.

If you have previously tried and failed to quit smoking, please do not give up! A war is not won or lost through one victory or defeat. Good luck!

 

Sources
Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) fact sheet on tobacco products. 2014. Retrieved from:  http://www.cansa.org.za
Collins, C. 2009. Electronic cigarette as a stop smoking aid. Retrieved from: http://voices.yahoo.com./
Hendrick, B. 2011. Nicotine-free “fake” cigarettes may help smokers quit. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com
Jaret, P. Quit-smoking drugs and nicotine patches and gums. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com
Stop smoking aids. Retrieved from://http://www.stop-smoking-programs.org

 

Revised by M van Os