MYTHS ABOUT QUITTING SMOKING

Myth 1: I’ve Smoked for so Long, the Damage Is Already Done

This is a common misconception believed by people who have been smoking for a long time. However, it simply isn’t true. Quitting smoking at any age can bring health benefits, and the benefits can start the day you stop! After only a year, the risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of someone who is still smoking, and after 10 years, risk of cancer will have halved compared to someone who continues to smoke.

So it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been smoking for, stopping can still be effective¹. Plus, if you have developed any conditions from smoking, it’s even more reason to quit, as it may help to prevent further damage.

Discover more health benefits of quitting smoking

Myth 2: I Shouldn’t Quit Smoking Because I Will Put on Weight

It’s not unusual to put on some weight when you first give up smoking, as nicotine commonly speeds up metabolism – so once you quit, your metabolism rate may drop, causing you to burn calories more slowly¹.

But don’t let that put you off; not everyone gains weight after they stop smoking, and even if you do, there are ways to during this time. Remember, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and if you stop smoking and stick to a healthy diet, it’s unlikely that you’ll gain weight¹.

Myth 3: It’s not the right time to quit smoking

Many smokers use this as an excuse to put off their quitting journey. But the truth is, there’ll never be a “right” time to stop smoking. Stressful situations can often make you feel like it isn’t the right time, but life can come with its challenges and waiting for the perfect time can cause never-ending delays¹. Consider all the reasons you want to stop smoking, then set a date and go from there.

Start by working out what your triggers are, and once you’ve pinpointed them, you can figure out how to avoid and manage them to make things easier. You can even get your family and friends involved and set up your own smoking support network to help keep you on track.

Myth 4: My smoking doesn’t harm anyone else

This is a myth¹. When you smoke around people, they are exposed to second-hand smoke, which can negatively impact their health. In fact, when people are frequently exposed to other people’s smoke, they have a 20% to 30% increased risk of lung cancer or stroke, and a 25% to 30% higher risk of coronary heart disease¹. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places in the UK.

Second-hand smoke can also cause:

• Respiratory infections and illnesses

• middle ear disease

• asthma attacks in children

• cot death

Second-hand smoke is particularly harmful for children, as they breathe faster than adults and take in more of the harmful chemicals.

So by quitting smoking, not only can you improve your health, but it can also help to protect the people around you and can bring a range of benefits¹.

Myth 5: It’s healthier to smoke hand-rolled tobacco

Another misleading myth about smoking is that hand-rolled tobacco is better for you than cigarettes. But roll-ups come with their own dangers. Although they can be cheaper, roll-ups still expose you to 4,000 toxic chemicals, many of which are poisonous and cancer-causing¹. Additionally, roll-ups have higher levels of nicotine and tar than most ordinary cigarettes do.

Ultimately, both cigarettes and roll-ups are harmful to your health. The best thing to do for your wellbeing is to stop smoking them both altogether.

Myth 6: It Will Make Me More Stressed

The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the release of dopamine – a feel-good chemical in the brain. When you quit smoking, your body will miss that dopamine, and may cause symptoms like anxiety, feeling on edge or craving smoking. But these symptoms are only temporary⁶.

Research has shown that smoking can actually increase anxiety and depression in the long-term. In fact, smokers may have up to a 70% increased risk of anxiety and depression when compared with non-smokers.

Research actually shows that people who don’t smoke usually have lower stress levels than those who do¹. Granted, you may feel some stress and anxiety when you first begin your quitting journey, but these are common withdrawal symptoms caused by the absence of nicotine. There are steps you can take to help you manage these symptoms, such as the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like patches and lozenges.

After 3 months of being smoke-free, the ability to control dopamine returns to a normal state¹.

Myth 7: Quitting with Willpower Only Is the Most Effective

Willpower is definitely a key quality to have for succeeding in the quitting journey, but. only 3-5% of quitters are able to quit smoking using only their willpower alone. Quitting can be tough and help and support can help increase your chances of quitting compared to just going cold turkey. Using an NRT product, like NICORETTE® QUICKMIST MOUTHSPRAY, can double your chances of successfully quitting versus willpower alone.

Browse the wide range of Nicorette® products to find the right product(s) for you.