You can quit, at will

 TNN, May 31, 2009, 12.29am IST
Will the Centre’s decision to make pictorial warning mandatory on cigarette packets have the desired impact on smokers? Probably not. Doctors say will power and motivation are the two pivotal requirements to quit smoking.

A smoker has to first make up his or her mind. Once this is done, there are many methods to help one kick the habit, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

NRT involves use of a nicotine inhaler, nicotine gum, nicotine nasal spray or skin patches. These products are available over-the-counter. The therapy is known to reduce withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, craving and tension.

HELP AT HAND

Psychiatry professor at Nimhans, Dr Pratima Murthy, says tobacco users who fail to give up the habit should seek medical consultation. The institute's Tobacco Association Clinic helps those addicted to cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. "It is not easy to quit because of the powerful nature of nicotine addiction. A combination of counselling, NRT and medication is necessary in most cases. It is recommended for three months," she said. The centre receives 350-400 persons every year. Of these, only 18-20% are able to quit. Many leave with reduced nicotine use, but most drop out early.

WHAT IS NRT?

* Nicotine, in lesser doses, is given in different forms like gum or patches

* This gives the addict a kick similar to the one got from smoking

* It's a short-term solution and can be used for a couple of months; has side-effects

* Nicotine patches: Stuck to the skin and slowly release constant amount of nicotine into the blood

* Nicotine gum: Releases nicotine slowly into the mouth

* Nicotine nasal spray: Used like any other nasal spray

* Nicotine inhaler: It has a holder that contains nicotine; inhaler delivers a puff of nicotine vapour into mouth and throat

DOCTORSPEAK

* "The therapy helps lessen nicotine withdrawal and the urge to smoke. When one inhales tobacco smoke, the nicotine moves quickly from the lungs to the bloodstream. Replacement products take longer"

-- Respiratory medicine consultant Dr Isaac Mathew

* "One can use NRT therapy products available in stores. Preferably, it should be taken under the supervison of a qualified doctor for controlled dosage and period of use. However, there is only 10-15% success rate"

-- Cardio-vascular surgeon Dr Ganesh Iyer

TYPES OF QUITTING

* Cold Turkey: one decides to stop smoking abruptly

* Gradual reduction in number of cigarettes

HARD FACTS

* Tobacco is the second major cause of death across the world

* One in ten tobacco deaths is due to brain death

* Five million people die due to tobacco-related diseases every year

* Smokers are thrre times more prone to lung cancer than non-smokers

* Smokers are three times prone to heart diseases than non-smokers

* Women smokers are five times more susceptible to lung cancer than men