Although smoking causes numerous health complications, quite a few people still smoke. In 2010, an estimated 45 million adults in the U.S. were cigarette smokers. Data has shown that 70% of smokers wanted to kick the habit as of 2015.
However, according to the CDC, there was still an estimated 31 million adult smokers in 2020. This data is worrisome as it shows us that there are still persistently high numbers of smokers in America, despite anti-smoking campaigns and efforts to quit.
If you’ve tried to quit before, and ended up returning to the habit, don’t you worry! It’s happened to many smokers. The good news is that quitting may be easier now than it was a few years ago.
1. New research into quitting smoking
A recent study led by the University of Bristol found that a combination of smoking cessation therapies is the most effective method to help people quit tobacco. This means that if a person wants to quit smoking, they are more likely to be successful if they use more than one method simultaneously to help them wean off cigarettes.
The study points to a variety of methods like pharmacotherapies or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). More specifically, the study recommends the use of varenicline, bupropion, and NRT as first-line treatments to smoking cessation.
Previous studies only investigated the use of a single type of therapy and its effects, but this new research has revealed findings that can help make quitting easier as compared with the old intervention methods used. But before taking this route, be sure to consult with your doctor as the combination of tobacco with other drugs can have adverse health effects.
2. More accessible options
Up until recently, there were only a few products to choose from when it came to nicotine replacement. Now, there are more options for smokers who want to quit, which makes the process much easier. For example, there’s a wider variety of cheap nicotine pouches which come in several flavors and strengths and are easy to use. Simply put one under the upper lip and it begins to release nicotine, with no fuss and no smoke.
Another option could be affordable nicotine patches, which can be placed on the user’s arm, chest, shoulder, or back to deliver nicotine doses through the skin. Both Grinds and patches are easily accessible — so long as the user has access to a computer or mobile device and is connected to the internet, they can order Grinds pouches or patches and have them delivered to their location.
These products offer a discreet and convenient way to satisfy nicotine cravings, without the harmful effects of smoking or chewing tobacco. However, it is important to note that nicotine replacement therapies should be used as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program, which may also include counseling and support groups.
3. Greater public awareness
With the advent of widespread medical research and public information drives, we now know more about the dangerous effects of smoking and how it can manifest in our bodies. For example, our previous article pointed out how a person’s white-colored tongue can often be caused by smoking, and how it can also be a possible indicator of a number of underlying health conditions.
Also, an article at the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that due to vape use, 64 people have died and 2,758 have been hospitalized as of February 2020. Such data wasn’t freely available before, and now that we have access to accurate and peer-reviewed information, we can make better, healthier choices.
Quitting smoking used to be an almost impossible task, with limited options. Fortunately, with today’s better resources in terms of information, support, and alternative product options, kicking the habit is achievable and is made easier now more than ever before.
