You probably know that cigarettes are dangerous to your health and that smoking is a risk factor for 6 of the 8 leading causes of death in the world1 , including: heart disease, pulmonary disease and various cancers such as lung and mouth cancer1,2.
You probably also know that smoking (tobacco dependence) is a chronic, relapsing condition and that stopping smoking is the single most effective health decision you can make3,4.
Even though most smokers identify tobacco use as harmful, with 70% of smokers wanting to stop, the majority who attempt to stop without therapy will relapse, most within a week.
Most smokers make 5-7 attempts before succeeding5,6.
Why is it so difficult?
The discrepancy between the desire to stop smoking and smoking cessation success rates, is possibly one of the strongest indicators of the effect of nicotine, an addictive substance found in cigarettes.6,7
Nicotine, is deemed to be as addictive as heroin or cocaine8.
How many more times will you try to stop?
If you are serious about giving up smoking then you should visit your doctor. Only he or she can give you the advice you need to break the addiction and begin to lead a healthier life.
If you are serious about stopping… get advice!
Stopping smoking represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.8
Stopping smoking is not easy, but you can do it. To have the best chance of stopping and staying smoke-free, you need to know what you are up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.8 |