Smoking Cessation
Why Quit Smoking?
Smoking damages nearly every organ, increases risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and decreases life expectancy by up to a decade. The Surgeon General’s Report confirms that quitting at any age improves health and quality of life.
Understanding Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Regular smoking leads to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms—cravings, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Recognizing addiction as a medical condition is the first step toward recovery.
Preparing to Quit
Successful cessation begins with planning:
Choose a quit date within the next two weeks and mark it in your calendar.
Identify triggers (stress, social situations) and develop alternative coping strategies.
Inform friends, family, and colleagues about your plan and enlist their support.
Remove cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your environment.
Track smoking patterns in a diary to increase self-awareness.
Behavioral Support
Behavioral counseling—brief advice from a health worker or intensive individual/group therapy—boosts quit rates by teaching skills to handle cravings and avoid relapse. Digital tools (text messaging, apps, internet programs) provide additional, accessible support.
Pharmacological Treatments
The World Health Organization recommends combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral support:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, or nasal sprays provide controlled nicotine doses without harmful smoke. Using a patch plus a short-acting NRT (gum or lozenge) better manages withdrawal.
Varenicline & Bupropion: Prescription medications that reduce cravings and withdrawal by modulating brain receptors.
Cytisine: A plant-based alternative with similar efficacy to varenicline and NRT.
Medications are most effective when started one week before quit date and used for at least 8–12 weeks.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal peaks in the first 3 days and may last up to 4 weeks. Common symptoms include:
| Symptom | Management Strategies |
|---|---|
| Cravings | Use NRT or medications; distract with activities. |
| Irritability | Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques. |
| Restlessness | Engage in light exercise or stretching. |
| Sleep disturbances | Maintain sleep hygiene; avoid caffeine late in the day. |
| Low mood | Stay connected with support groups; seek counseling. |
The 5 A’s Approach
Primary care providers can guide you using the 5 A’s:
Ask about tobacco use at every visit.
Advise to quit with clear, personalized messages.
Assess willingness to quit and readiness stages.
Assist by offering behavioral support and pharmacotherapy.
Arrange follow-up contacts to prevent relapse.
Self-Help Strategies
Keep a smoking diary to identify patterns.
Substitute smoking breaks with healthy routines (short walks, water).
Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress.
Reward milestones (1 day, 1 week, 1 month) to stay motivated.
Join peer support groups or quitlines for shared encouragement.
When and How to Seek Help
If quitting alone feels overwhelming, professional assistance can make all the difference. Consult Dr. Budhwar to:
Contact us for guidance
Visit our home page for resources
Quitting smoking is challenging but achievable. With a structured plan, effective treatments, and ongoing support, you can overcome nicotine dependence and enjoy a healthier, smoke-free life.