The challenge of quitting smoking in Spain
In Spain, tobacco causes more than 50,000 deaths and represents 13% of the total annual deaths, according to data from the Cancer Observatory of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). For this reason, among others, quitting smoking becomes the pending task of many people who take advantage of the start of a new year or a change of stage to overcome their addiction to nicotine definitively.
Pharmacological methods to quit smoking
Smokers make up to six attempts on average before quitting for good. Many times, to achieve this, the ideal option is to resort to some treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Nicotine replacement
This therapy consists of administering small doses of nicotine (through patches, gum, inhalers…) without the toxic products contained in tobacco, so that the withdrawal syndrome is more bearable.
However, “because nicotine replacement therapy only treats physical dependence, it is not expected to be the only thing used to quit smoking. Other methods will be needed to help with the psychological part ( emotional and mental), for example, a program to abandon the habit”, explain from the American Cancer Society.
Todacitina
To date, pharmacological treatments such as varenicline, known commercially as Chantix or Champix, were used, but it was withdrawn from the market leaving a gap that was replaced by Todacitina. A medicine whose active principle is cytisitine and which promises to end addiction in 25 days.
Bupropio
It is an antidepressant that reduces the desire to use tobacco and reduces the withdrawal syndrome. It must be prescribed by the doctor, as in the case of Todacitina, and for it to be effective, you must stop smoking from the first week.
Tobacco deterrent devices
An option that many people opt for is to use similar alternatives to tobacco, but surrounded by some controversy because of the effects and/or contraindications they could have in the long term.
Electronic cigarette
Proponents of the e-cigarette often argue that it can be helpful in kicking an otherwise even more harmful habit, such as smoking. However, its detractors argue that there is significant evidence showing that it is a product harmful to health.
Heat-not-Burn
It is an alternative to consuming tobacco in which the temperature of the tobacco does not reach levels as high as those of the cigarette. By heating tobacco instead of burning it, fewer harmful chemicals are produced than in cigarettes.
New smart and/or electronic therapies
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): It is a therapy used to treat neurological and mental health disorders, including tobacco addiction. The FDA has cleared the marketing of a device that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation as a short-term smoking cessation aid.
A smart collar: Recently, we heard the news that researchers from the Northwestern Medicine University (United States) had developed a smart device that is worn around the neck and that detects the habit of smoking by capturing the heat signatures of thermal sensors . Something very useful so that the moment an ex-smoker has a relapse and the device detects it, they receive a phone call from a health advisor, for example, or even a text or video message via smartphone to help – him
Tips and tricks at home to quit smoking
Quitting smoking starts with having willpower and, beyond the treatments that are carried out to achieve this, it is important to follow a series of guidelines and basic keys in day-to-day life.
Don’t leave it gradually
Starting to smoke less and less tobacco does not work when it comes to quitting for good. Addictions never decrease, on the contrary, you will smoke more and more every time.
Don’t drink alcohol
When you’re quitting smoking, going out and drinking alcohol can be very counterproductive, especially because you lose willpower very easily.
Share it with your environment
Telling your friends and loved ones that you have quit smoking is essential, especially if one of them smokes. This will also give you some commitment.
Download an app
There are mobile phone apps that can help you quit smoking by reminding you to do certain habits and/or keeping track of the days, money or health benefit you’ve achieved after quitting for a certain period of time of time
Change up your routines and keep your mind occupied
It is true that in everyday life people usually smoke at certain times, for example, after eating or before going to work. Changing these routines is essential in order not to fall into temptation. Likewise, you need to keep your mind occupied with some activity that avoids thinking all the time about the desire to smoke.
References
Nicotine replacement therapy to treat smoking. (s.f.). Consulted at https://www.cancer.org/es/saludable/mantengase-alejado-del-tabaco/guia-para-dejar-de-fumar/terapia-de-reemplazo-de-nicotina.html on March 1 2023.
5 New Ways to Quit Smoking With Medication | Stop smoking Tips for ex-smokers | CDC. (s.f.). Consulted at https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/spanish/dejar-fumar/medicamentos/5-maneras-de-dejar-de-fumar-con-medicamentos/index.html on March 1 2023.
Quit smoking: 10 ways to resist the urge to smoke. (2022, May 28). Mayo Clinic. Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/nicotine-craving/art-20045454 on March 1, 2023.
