“Well, I have to die of something” is a reply I find interesting when I ask patients how they feel about their tobacco use. Obviously, it is true. We do have to die of something. I think at this point everyone not living under a rock knows that if you smoke, you will likely die of cancer. However, I don’t think very many people appreciate just how miserable dying from common complications of tobacco use are.
There is no passing quietly in your sleep if you are suffocating to death from lung cancer. There is no quick release from starving to death from throat or jaw cancer. There may not be death for years following a life changing stroke. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and almost certainly vaping, increases your risk of all of these terrible possibilities. Everyone knows this. I have patients who can’t read, but they know tobacco is bad for them. Yet millions continue to smoke. Clearly, this is because nicotine is incredibly addictive. Some studies show it to be as addictive as methamphetamine. I’ve seen people with lung disease break down and cry because they just can’t stop smoking. I don’t know how it feels, but I do know some ways to help.
Perhaps the best local resource I can suggest is ProjectFilter.org. This is a website for Idaho citizens that has multiple resources to help people stop smoking. It even has resources for people who want to help someone else quit. If you are a teacher, a healthcare provider, or a loved one of someone who smokes, there are resources and ideas to help. These resources include support groups, information, and personalized plans. These resources are free.
There are non-pharmacological therapies that may help as well. Cognitive behavioral therapy has excellent evidence to help people with a variety of addictions including tobacco. I have very little experience with hypnosis, but I have had some patients use it, and it has helped. I have had a few patients quit with cinnamon products, but I am not aware of any studies that show it is effective. I have a lot of patients who find gum or sunflower seeds helpful as it helps keep their hands and mouth busy.
Some people may decide to try pharmacological therapies to help them quit smoking. There are some options. Chantix is very well known and works well. Wellbutrin is similar and generally more affordable. It is an anxiety medication that works well for some. There are multiple nicotine products that can help with cravings. There are patches, gum, and lozenges. These are all used differently and have their individual advantages. Talking to your medical provider about the risks and benefits of these options may be helpful.
Many people try and fail to quit smoking. I have some patients who try, succeed, and then start smoking again later. I encourage them to keep trying. Even if you smoke less, that means less risk and less damage.
We all have to die of something, but we don’t have to make death worse or come early. If you use tobacco or vape, I hope you have found some new ideas that might help you quit. If you have someone you love that uses it, I hope you have found some new ideas too. For everyone affected, be persistent, patient, and understanding. The end goal is to spend more time with the ones you love, not to die early from something horrible.
– Dr. Daniel Sterner, DO is a provider at Health West American Falls. He specializes in family medicine and obstetrical care and is accepting new patients.
