Tobacco Smoking Cessation
At Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we want to give you the best chance at quitting smoking and living a longer life. Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death in Canada. By quitting smoking, you can improve your health status and quality of life, adding as much as ten years to your life expectancy.
Did you know that tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including more than 60 different carcinogens (cancer-causing substances)? By quitting smoking, you drastically reduce your risk of a wide range of health complications, including:
- Cancers
- Heart diseases
- Stroke
- Lung diseases
Even if you have developed a smoking-related problem, you can benefit from quitting. Quitting smoking can make smoking-related illnesses more manageable and reduce the risk of doing further harm to your health. Quitting smoking can even help you save money in the long term.
With professional help from Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, you can quit smoking and start improving your quality of life. We will help you through the five stages of quitting and help you build an achievable quitting plan.
PHARMACIST’S TIP
Within twenty minutes of giving up smoking, your life will begin to change for the better:
- 20 minutes after your last cigarette your blood pressure will begin to drop, similar to the same level it was before your last cigarette.
- 8 hours after your last cigarette your blood’s toxic carbon monoxide levels will drop back to normal.
- 24 hours after your last cigarette your risk of having a heart attack decreases.
- 2 weeks to 3 months after your last cigarette your lung’s airways and muscles relax, allowing you to breathe easier and get more air into your lungs.
- 1 to 9 months after your last cigarette expect to cough less and see your lungs working even better.
- 1 year after your last cigarette the risk of you developing coronary heart disease is half of that of a smoker.
- 5 years after your last cigarette your risk of having a stroke is now the same as someone who has never smoked a single cigarette.
At Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we are dedicated to helping you live your best, healthiest life. We want nothing more than to give you the best chance at quitting smoking and living a longer, fulfilling life starting now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tobacco Smoking Cessation
Q. What is tobacco smoking cessation?
A. Tobacco smoking cessation is the process of discontinuing the use of tobacco products, encompassing a range of strategies to manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and behaviors that trigger the urge to smoke. Ceasing smoking is crucial for enhancing overall health and well-being.
Q. Why is quitting smoking important?
A. The benefits of quitting smoking include a diminished risk of chronic diseases, improved lung function, lowered risk of heart disease, and a significant increase in life expectancy.
Q. What resources are available for those looking to quit smoking?
A. A variety of resources are accessible to support individuals in this endeavor, including counseling services, support groups, and specialized smoking cessation programs. Moreover, pharmacies frequently offer nicotine replacement therapies and prescription medications designed to aid in the quitting process.
Q. How effective are nicotine replacement therapies (NRT)?
A. Nicotine replacement therapies, including patches, gum, and lozenges, have been shown to notably enhance the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking. These therapies alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings by delivering a controlled amount of nicotine.
Q. Are there medications that can help with smoking cessation?
A. There are several prescription medications available that can facilitate smoking cessation, such as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Champix). These medications help to diminish cravings and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Q. How long does it typically take to quit smoking?
A. The duration required to quit smoking varies among individuals; however, many people report health improvements within weeks of cessation, while complete resolution of withdrawal symptoms may take several months.
Q. What support is offered at Brintnell Pharmacy for quitting smoking?
A. Brintnell Pharmacy offers tailored consultations alongside access to cessation tools, including Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs), to assist individuals in developing a personalized quitting strategy.
Q. Can behavioral therapies help in quitting smoking?
A. Behavioral therapies play a crucial role in modifying the habits and thought patterns associated with smoking, and when combined with medication, they can enhance the effectiveness of cessation efforts.
Q. Is it possible to quit smoking without any aid?
A. While some individuals have successfully quit smoking, relying solely on their own determination and the support of friends and family, many find that utilizing available resources significantly improves their likelihood of success.
Q. How can someone rebound from a relapse after quitting?
A. A relapse can be disheartening; however, it is important to recognize that it is not an uncommon occurrence. Individuals who experience a relapse should take the time to analyze the factors that contributed to it, seek support from others, and reaffirm their commitment to quitting by leveraging available resources.
Q. What can friends and family do to support someone attempting to quit smoking?
A. The support of friends and family is instrumental in the journey toward cessation. They can offer encouragement, stay informed about the challenges involved in quitting, and help create a smoke-free environment to minimize temptation.
By addressing common questions related to tobacco cessation, individuals can gain a deeper insight into the process and access effective resources available at Brintnell Pharmacy. It is essential to remember that the path to quitting smoking extends beyond mere cessation; it encompasses the adoption of a healthier lifestyle overall.