Anti-Tobacco Day: How to Quit Tobacco

Anti-Tobacco Day or No Tobacco Day is a United Nations-designated day to inform the public about the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing to fight against the use of tobacco, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

It is annually celebrated on 31st May, with each year having its own theme. The theme for this year is ‘Youth Step In And Speak Out’, which focuses on the harmful effects of tobacco on children and also encourages children to speak out and shun tobacco.

To observe Anti-Tobacco Day, we will be looking at how you can quit tobacco. The usage of tobacco has been linked to Cancer, Respiratory Issues, Cardiovascular Diseases, Reproductive Problems, Respiratory Infections, Oral Health Issues, Vision Problems, Skin Damage and Addiction and Withdrawal.

As one of the symptoms of heavy tobacco use is addiction, it can be pretty challenging to quit tobacco, but it can be done.

You can try by setting a date to quit tobacco. Setting up a date helps you to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge, which can prove to be beneficial as suddenly deciding to quit does not always work.

Look out for triggers. The desire to consume tobacco sometimes results from situations, emotions, or activities. After identifying, you can design strategies to overcome your addiction.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, or inhalers can help to reduce your cravings. Whenever you feel the need to smoke, just take out one of these and consume it. Additionally, non-nicotine medications like bupropion or varenicline may also be prescribed by a healthcare provider to help with quitting.

Tell your family and friends about your commitment to quit smoking. You can also join a support group that will help you to change your lifestyle. You can also change your routine to avoid situations that result in tobacco use. Try out new hobbies and activities to keep your body and mind engaged.

However, quitting smoking comes with heavy withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, cravings, and difficulty concentrating. Make sure to prepare yourself for it and develop techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and cravings.

Remember to always keep a positive attitude and mindset. Don’t be hard on yourself if you fail to do so, get up and try again. It is never too late to stop smoking. Rewarding yourself with gifts and treats upon completing personal milestones.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Make sure to share it with all your friends and family members.