Cessation
What is Cessation?
Cessation is an intentional, permanent behaviour change of a smoking habit. It is the result of an effort to quit cigarettes and other tobacco products through the use of various techniques, resources and support. Those who commit to making a change and reducing their unhealthy smoking habits can experience an immediate and long-term improvement in health, financial savings, and improved relationships with family and friends.
Benefits of Cessation
Quitting smoking has some immediate and long-term benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved breathing, circulation, and heart health
- Lowered risk of heart attack and stroke
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Decrease in number and severity of smoking-related illnesses
- Reduction in environmental tobacco smoke pollution
- Improvements in overall quality of life
- Financial savings due to not purchasing cigarettes and tobacco products
Techniques for Cessation
Quitting smoking isn't easy, but with the help from various techniques, those who commit to making this change can do it. Some of the techniques for cessation include:
- Counseling through individual or group therapy
- Methods to reduce cravings such as nicotine replacement products, medications, and e-cigarettes
- Creating a plan to be prepared for difficult situations, such as breakups or stressful days at work
- Distracting oneself from craving cigarettes by engaging in physical activities or activities that connect with others
- Staying positive when feeling down by talking to or seeking out other people who have quit successfully
- Seeking out online or in-person support groups
Conclusion
Cessation is an achievable goal that has many immediate and long-term benefits. Those who are ready to quit smoking can seek out a variety of techniques and strategies, like counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, medication, and/or seeking out support from family and friends, in order to help reach their goal. Those who quit smoking are also beneficial to their community, by reducing second-hand smok and curbing their contribution to environmental tobacco smoke pollution.