Smoking cessation
Smoking cessation is the process of discontinuing tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which is addictive and can cause dependence. Therefore, the process of quitting smoking can be long and challenging, although the health benefits are significant.
Health effects of smoking[edit | edit source]
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death globally. It is a primary risk factor for many diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking cessation significantly reduces these risks.
Methods of smoking cessation[edit | edit source]
There are various methods available to help individuals quit smoking. These include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), prescription medication, behavioral therapy, and support groups.
Nicotine replacement therapy[edit | edit source]
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) involves the use of products that provide low doses of nicotine but do not contain the toxins found in smoke. The goal of therapy is to relieve cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Prescription medication[edit | edit source]
Certain prescription medications can help with smoking cessation. Two drugs, bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix), are specifically approved for this use.
Behavioral therapy[edit | edit source]
Behavioral therapy involves working with a counselor to find ways not to smoke. This can include changing the behaviors that trigger the desire to smoke and learning new coping skills.
Support groups[edit | edit source]
Many people find that support groups, both in-person and online, can be helpful in the process of quitting smoking. These groups can provide practical advice and encouragement to people facing similar challenges.
Benefits of smoking cessation[edit | edit source]
The benefits of smoking cessation can be felt almost immediately and continue to increase the longer a person remains smoke-free. These benefits include improved lung function, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, increased life expectancy, and improved quality of life.
See also[edit | edit source]
 | This health-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
