Tag: Tobacco Cessation

E-cigarettes go by lots of other names: vapes, vape pens, mods, hookah pens, e-hookahs, e-cigs, e-juice, e-liquid, smoke juice, juuls, and more. While some are made to look like regular cigarettes, others look more like pens or flash drives. Some larger devices look very different and bear little resemblance to cigarettes at all. There are hundreds of different e-cigarettes on the market.

E-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco and don’t produce smoke. Those are the only good things you can say about e-cigs! Most still contain nicotine, and all have toxic chemicals. Like cigarettes, e-cigarettes are harmful to your lungs and addictive. Nobody has invented a healthy e-cigarette yet!

The FDA regulates the production of e-cigarettes by licensed manufacturers, but there are many unlicensed cartridges being sold from pop-up shops or on the street. These black-market cartridges can contain additional dangerous additives like solvents or pesticides. These products should be avoided at all times.

Can they hurt if they’re not “real” cigarettes?

It may seem like e-cigarettes are a safer option because they don’t contain tobacco or because they are available with different amounts of nicotine. Even though they do not have tobacco, e-cigarettes still contain addictive nicotine and toxic chemicals just like “real” cigarettes. Heating these chemicals and inhaling the vapor brings dangerous substances into your body. Some of these can cause cancer. Some of these may cause serious lung injury.

In the summer of 2019, the rapid rise of hospitalizations and deaths among e-cigarette users prompted emergency action by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and many state governments. While many health issues from smoking cigarettes do not show up until many years of use, serious lung illness and death has occurred in relatively young, short-term users of e-cigarettes. Long-term problems are still unknown, as e-cigarettes are new and researchers do not know what will happen to the body after 20 or 30 years of usage.

If you use e-cigarettes and have any of the following symptoms, ask your healthcare provider to check for lung injury. Vaping-associated pulmonary illness is very serious and can be deadly.

*   Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

*   Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

*   Fatigue, fever, or abdominal pain

“Fun-flavored” Danger: E-Cigarettes and Teens

E-cigarettes have quickly become popular with teenagers, partly due to e-juice that comes in “fun” flavors like cinnamon roll and bubble gum. These flavors, the myth that vaping is harmless, and the lack of lasting odors, create the perfect storm for teens who want to experiment or “fit in” without the stigma of smoking cigarettes. What they don’t realize is the danger of addiction and health problems.

Can E-Cigarettes Help You Quit Regular Cigarettes?

Some people have used e-cigarettes to cut back on the amount of nicotine they smoke until they are ready to quit entirely. The FDA has not approved this method of quitting, as there is no evidence that it leads to long-term cessation. Some studies have shown that adults who used vaping to quit cigarettes were more likely to relapse.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can damage the cardiovascular system. The narrowing of coronary arteries and breakdown of heart tissue can increase the risk for hypertension, increase inflammation in the body, and complicate existing heart conditions. If you previously smoked cigarettes, the heart is already damaged and additional use of nicotine could worsen this damage. Continued nicotine use also complicates diabetes management and associated conditions, such as eye health, risk for stroke, weight management and circulation problems.

If you are using an e-cigarette to quit smoking, it is important to reduce the amount of nicotine you are consuming and plan to quit using the device completely. Continuing to use an e-cigarette will increase your risk of returning to regular cigarettes, along with all the problems that come with the e-cigarette itself.

Relying on the e-cigarette as a way to cope with stress, as entertainment when bored, or to mimic smoking while driving in the car, does not change much about your smoking habit. Without making changes to your routines or learning to cope with challenges, it may make it easy to have a cigarette when the e-cigarette is unavailable, needs a re-fill, or a cigarette is offered.

If you are looking for a way to step down nicotine safely and feel a little better when quitting, the QuitWell™ program recommends FDA-approved options in addition to support:

*Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):FDA approved, can safely be used by most people, available in a patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray, or inhaler

*Pharmaceutical Aid (e.g. Chantix, Zyban):Requires a prescription from your doctor, does not contain nicotine

There are medications available to help you quit. Some of them contain nicotine and some do not. The idea behind nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is that by replacing the nicotine with nicotine in another form, one can focus on becoming comfortable with the new behavior with less withdrawal/symptoms. Then, later, the nicotine can be cut down in a systematic way. Studies have shown that users of NRT are about twice as likely to quit tobacco.

You should check with your doctor before using these products if you are:

*  Younger than 18

*  Pregnant or nursing

*  Have heart disease or had a recent heart attack

*  Have high blood pressure not controlled by medication

*  Take insulin for diabetes

*  Have a stomach ulcer

Always follow the instructions for NRT carefully to avoid complications. Any questions that you have about the products should be addressed with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects of NRT include nervousness, a racing heart, dizziness, headache, and nausea. These are caused by the nicotine and may be a sign of too much nicotine. If you have any of these symptoms, cut back on the total nicotine you are getting. Chew less gum or use your inhaler less frequently, for example. Avoid smoking, dipping, or vaping while using NRT.

A rare, but dangerous complication is nicotine overdose. Symptoms include a racing heart, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, and cold sweats. If you are having symptoms like these, get immediate medical attention.

Quitting may cause certain changes in your body due to the withdrawal of the many toxins found in tobacco. Some of these changes you may enjoy-food tastes and smells better. Some changes may be a little unpleasant. Everyone will have a different reaction. However, most people will only have a few signals, and these usually last less than a week.

Some of these signals, of course, may be related to a health issue or illness. If you are concerned about how long a recovery signal is lasting or it feels more serious, contact your physician right away. You may be feeling that way because of something other than quitting.

Increased Hunger

The taste buds in the mouth become more keen when you quit and food tastes better.  You may find yourself eating more, which could add up to weight gain. Be mindful to increase physical activity, avoid emotional eating, and avoid snacks high in sugar and saturated fat. Choose crunchy vegetables or a high-protein snack instead.

Irritability and anxiety

Studies offer two reasons for this signal:

1. Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco behaviors serve as a mild calming agent for some. Take it away and the body is very tense until it adjusts.

2. Your whole life has been disrupted by quitting. Try a relaxation tool, take a hot shower, or call a close friend.

Coughing

The hair-like fibers (cilia) that line the bronchial tubes are starting to work to get rid of the mucus that tobacco produced. As the mucus loosens, you cough.

Sweating

One way the toxins leave the body is through the skin’s pores. This may show up as sweat. If this affects you, it should only last 3 to 4 days.

Frequent Urination

This may happen because of the extra liquids you’re drinking.

Constipation

The toxins in tobacco cause the release of the hormone adrenaline. For some, this helps in moving the bowels, so not smoking can lead to constipation. Eat high fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, bran, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water as well.

Loss of Sleep

Quitting may cause you to be restless at night. Increase your daytime activity to make you feel more tired. Try drinking a warm glass of milk before bed.

Sleepiness

For many people, tobacco provides a “lift.” Take that away and you feel more sleepy. Try to get as much sleep as you need.

Dizziness

With carbon monoxide no longer in the blood and the bronchial tubes clearing up, more oxygen may be entering the body. The result could be dizziness. Sit down and rest until it passes.

Mouth Sores or Bad Taste

Sores or bad tastes in the mouth may be due to the body chemicals that used to counteract the effects of the toxins in tobacco. Use an oral pain reliever for sores or see a doctor or dentist. Use mouthwash or breath mints for a fresher taste.

Lack of Focus

Turning your life around by quitting may make it harder for you to focus. A short walk is helpful.

Dreaming of Using Tobacco

Many people find they dream about using as they are trying to quit.

Sense of Loss

Quitting an activity that has been a major part of your life can make you feel very sad. There may be a feeling of missing something. This sense of loss will pass with time.

Headache

Your blood vessels open up due to withdrawal from nicotine. This could produce headaches during the first few days of quitting. Deep natural breathing, getting fresh air, and making sure you are eating healthy foods regularly can help.

Notice the unpleasant recovery symptoms-and make sure they are going away over time (otherwise, see a doctor). Try not to focus on the unpleasant recovery symptoms. You might overlook the good recovery signals that are taking place. Blame all the unpleasant changes on tobacco/nicotine. Focus on the good changes that have happened because you no longer use this addictive, body-damaging product. Keep in mind, no one ever died from quitting.

*  If you have quit, which of these recovery signals have you noticed so far? Have they started to go away yet?

*  If you are still thinking about quitting, imagine welcoming these changes as a sign that positive changes are happening in your body.

*  If you are cutting back (but haven’t quit yet), do you have any of these recovery signals already? While there is no healthy level of tobacco use, your body may begin to heal as you get close to quitting completely.

Hands:

To take the place of holding a cigarette or e-cigarette, try holding one of these:

*  A paper clip

*  A hand grip or stress ball

*  A rubber band

*  A hair tie

*  A pen or pencil

Mouth:

These can be placed in your mouth instead of tobacco:

*  Toothpicks

*  Coffee stirrers or cocktail twisters

*  Sugarless gum or candy

*  Sugarless breath mints

*  Cinnamon sticks

*  Crunchy vegetables (e.g. carrots or celery sticks)

Mind:

Make use of the gaps of time when you used to use tobacco. You might:

*  Play cards

*  Sketch an idea or make a list

*  Do yard work

*  Crochet or learn a new skill that uses your hands

*  Stretch or exercise

*  Write a letter or send an email

*  Read

*  Learn the words to a new song-or how to play it on an instrument

*  Wash and wax your car or motorcycle

In 2020, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in the United States was $6.30. In some states, the average price was over $10 per pack. A pack-a-day smoker in those states spends $70 per week on cigarettes. That could buy a week’s worth of groceries, two to three tanks of gas, or pay a month’s utility bill. Over months and years, the possibilities go even further.

A can of chewing tobacco costs an average of nearly $3. A two can-a-week habit costs over $300 per year. A can-a-day habit costs nearly $1,100 per year. Think of all the things you could do with the money instead of dipping or chewing. It adds up.

Find out how much money you will save when you quit. The chart below is based on U.S. averages.

This may be your first time thinking about quitting or trying to quit. If you are like many, though, this is not your first rodeo. Think about the times you thought about quitting in the past.

If you have never tried to quit before, think about another major change you have made in the past. It doesn’t have to be health-related. The point is to identify strengths from your experience-and see what tripped you up.

*  What motivated you then? How important was it for you to change?

*  How did you try to make this change?

*  What went well? What did not go well?

*  What will you do the same this time?

*  What will you do differently this time?

With your experiences, you probably have ideas of what might work for you. Use the strategies in this guide to build on what you already know helps you succeed.

*Body Posture:Be relaxed and natural. Avoid slouching, putting your hands in your pockets, or facing away from the person you are speaking with.

*Eye Contact:Good eye contact is vital to convey self-confidence and interest. Don’t stare at the other person-this comes across as a challenge.

*Voice, Tone, and Quality:Use a strong, varied tone. Speak clearly and firmly. Don’t shout or speak too softly. Don’t whine.

*Distance from the Person:Don’t position yourself too far or too close.

*Facial Expression:Let your face convey the same message as what you are saying.

*Content:Use short sentences. Be specific, clear, and firm.

Practice First

Plan or write down what you want to say. Have responses ready ahead of time to deal with questions and comments. Reinforce your remarks by saying what positive outcomes will occur for you and the other person. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend.

Benefits of Being Assertive:

*  You can feel comfortable saying “no.”

*  You have more confidence to ask others for help.

*  You gain more respect from others.

*  You feel less angry with yourself and with others.

*  You feel justified to say what you want to say.

*  You feel comfortable requesting clarification.

*  You accept compliments graciously.

*  You can change your mind without feeling guilty.