what is the most effective way to stop smoking

However, being one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world, it is a latent concern. According to the World Health Organization, smoking has many consequences on people's lives and can lead to innumerable consequences. To begin, Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is also the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)., a condition in which the accumulation of mucus with pus in the lungs causes a painful cough and terrible breathing difficulties. Smoking also exacerbates asthma and exposure to smoke can cause problems in children's lives. An estimated 165,000 children die before the age of 5 from lower respiratory tract infections caused by second-hand smoke..

IN ADDITION:

End of the myth: the cigarette is as dangerous as the common

There are no magic formulas

Once all these variables are known, the solution is: stop smoking. However, as easy as it can be said, the really complex thing is to put it into practice. In this process, two things can happen: that the person abandons the habit of one day for the other and does not take it back, or that she leaves it gradually. In any case, it is normal to suffer withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, loss of concentration, mood changes and weight.

"When you do a treatment to stop smoking, you do a combination of two things: cognitive-behavioral treatment– helping people change their minds about cigarettes – and scientifically proven drugs that can double or triple the odds of success, "he said. Popular Dr. Guido Bergman, Chief of the Tobacco Clinic of the ICBA Cardiovascular Prevention Program. In addition, the professional has debunked the fact that hypnosis, acupuncture and laser are effective therapies in this procedure.

With regard to abstinence, an alternative to abstinence is Therapeutic nicotine this makes the body continue to treat it as if it was ordinary nicotine, but without creating addiction or toxicity. In this group, patches, chewing gum, pills and spray are inserted. And although it is over the counter, it is recommended to do so accompanied by professional treatment.

According to data published in the 2012 Global Survey on Adult Smoking (EMTA), 89.9% of smokers who have tried to quit in the last 12 months or who have been smoking for less than one year have tried without help and have relapsed.

According to figures published by the Argentine Tobacco Association (ASAT), in Argentina, only 10% are asking for help and, of this percentage, only 2.5% are consulting a specialist at the time of the interview. approach the process.

Why is the e-cigarette not recommended?

Sprays are increasingly used in Argentina. Although they are very easy to obtain, ANMAT has banned them because no study has proven the effectiveness of its use to quit smoking.

According to what Bergman explained, the electronic cigarette has a resistance that burns a liquid with or without nicotine. This liquid, once vaporized, becomes toxic and, although these toxins are fewer than those contained in conventional cigarettes, they are no longer harmful to health.

"If, on your own, the patient can use it," explained the professional, "the use is regulated and it is then recommended to abandon it. what is proven is that those who want to quit with the electronic cigarette end up being two smokers, because they do not leave the electronic cigarette but start smoking regular cigarettes again."

IN ADDITION:

Why is the electronic cigarette forbidden?

In addition he attributes this mode of consumption to the tobacco companies, that through these devices, attract customers who previously had abandoned the smoking routine or who had never tried and started with this method.

For Bergman, in order not to retreat from smoking, the essential thing is to have the intention of giving up the habit – but with a serious intention – which becomes the motivation necessary to face any treatment.

"In all cases, accompaniment is very important for the person to feel confident, to create a support network and has certain skills and strategies coordinated with the therapist, who will follow him. Because there is no follow-up, patients relapse", Concluded the professional.