(NC)—If you are thinking about quitting smoking, the first step to being successful is knowing what you are up against: nicotine is a highly addictive substance and smoking is a chronic, relapsing condition.
It can be said that failing to recognize the true nature of addiction as a medical condition has perpetuated the smoking epidemic. In fact, addiction to tobacco products is now the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Canada and worldwide. It's safe to say, nicotine addiction is not just a habit.
In a recently developed White Paper entitled “Tobacco Addiction: What do we know, and where do we go?”, Dr. Charl Els, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction at the University of Alberta Hospital, shares insight into the notion of addiction and what that means.
“Being addicted to something suggests a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that comes from prolonged effects of a drug on the brain or with repeated failures to refrain from drug use in spite of prior resolutions to do so”, explains Dr. Els. “However, it's important to remember that addiction to any substance, including nicotine, can be overcome and controlled with determination and a plan.”
Luckily for those who are seriously thinking about quitting, there are a wide variety of support programs, resources and treatment options available to help overcome this addiction, including individual or group counselling and prescription medications. Also, while quitting “cold turkey” works for some (success rate of less than five per cent), it's recommended to choose two or more proven quit-smoking methods in order to boost your chances of success.
Willpower alone is not always enough
Canadians are encouraged to speak with their physician to learn about which options are right for them and to visit www.itscanadastime.com.
- News Canada