Way to stop smoking

The risks of smoking are regularly highlighted through TV, newspaper and radio adverts along with advertisements on cigarette packets themselves. These advertisements are quite graphic and often highlight the dangers through images of diseased organs. Although these risks are repeatedly advertised, it seems as though many people are not put off until it is too late. 

The main implications to long term smoking are lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which can all lead to death. However, there are also less threatening but just as nasty affects such as yellowing fingernails and teeth, smelly clothes and smoke stains in the home. It is important that we continue to outline the risks and ways to stop smoking in order to minimise smoking related diseases and deaths. 

There are many different ways to to stop smoking available to everyone within the UK. These different methods work differently on every individual and some methods may suit one person more than another. 

It is clear that people know the risks of smoking but it is not always this knowledge that encourages people to quit smoking. Many people are concerned about how they might feel once they quit and it is the fear of withdrawal symptoms that discourages people to quit. Although there are pharmaceutical methods available, it is often the psychological methods that help the majority.

By outlining the reasons of why we smoke in the first place, it may enable us to eliminate the craving. Before we start smoking, there is no need for the nicotine so why do people start in the first place? Often it can be from peer pressure, to look ’cool’ or simply just for the experience. If we can understand our reasoning behind starting smoking, it will be easier to quit. Many people just need the initial will power and desire that pushes them in the right direction to quit. 

Smoking is defined as an addiction; however, there are many cases of people giving up so it is down to each individual and their personal wish to quit.

Since 2007 it has become illegal to smoke within a public place. This includes public transport, the workplace, restaurants, bars and shopping centres. The age restrictions to buy cigarettes and tobacco related products such as rolling papers have increased from 16 to 18. By simply minimising the opportunities to smoke, it has been an effective way to stop people smoking. 

Not only does smoking affect the individual but passive smoking is also a big problem. Secondary smoke can rapidly increase your chances of smoking related diseases. Therefore by quitting smoking, it will not only minimise your own risks that smoking causes, but it will also minimise the risks that your friends, family and loved ones may suffer from as a result of your own habit.