Don’t Believe These 9 Myths if You’re Trying to Quit Smoking

Smoking has long been considered a way to relax and relieve stress. Many people turn to cigarettes when they are feeling down or anxious, believing that it’s their only escape. However, the truth is far from what they think. Smoking actually exacerbates the very stress it promises to alleviate.

There are several prevailing myths surrounding smoking that keep people trapped in this harmful habit. Despite being aware of the dangers and the stern warnings plastered on cigarette packs, many individuals continue to smoke due to false beliefs. Dr. Vineeta Goel, Director and Head of Department at Radiation Oncology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, emphasizes that smoking is the most avoidable risk one can take.

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If you’re ready to bid farewell to cigarettes, it’s time to confront these misconceptions head-on.

Debunking the Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Myth 1: Filters make cigarettes safer

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, filter cigarettes are not proven to be safer than non-filtered ones. Filters do not shield individuals from the harmful chemicals present in cigarettes. In fact, they are designed to make smoke particles smaller, making nicotine absorption easier and increasing addiction.

Myth 2: You’ll put on weight if you quit

Fact: Do you believe that smoking helps you lose weight? The nicotine in cigarettes boosts energy consumption and reduces appetite, creating the illusion of weight loss. However, quitting smoking does not necessarily result in weight gain. While your appetite may increase initially, weight gain is not an inevitable outcome.

Myth 3: Smoking helps relieve stress

Fact: Smoking does not alleviate stress; it actually intensifies it. While nicotine provides a temporary sense of relaxation, this effect is short-lived. Relying on smoking to reduce stress only deepens your addiction to cigarettes.

Myth 4: Occasional smoking won’t hurt you

Fact: Every cigarette you smoke poses a risk to your heart, lungs, and cells. There is no safe level of tobacco exposure, regardless of how frequently you smoke.

Myth 5: Electronic cigarettes are safer

Fact: E-cigarettes, or vaping, are not a safe alternative to smoking. Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other toxic chemicals in liquid form. These substances can harm your health and put you at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

Myth 6: The main risk of smoking during pregnancy is premature delivery

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Fact: Smoking not only makes it harder for women to conceive, but it also increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, low birth weight, and cleft lip/palate. Premature delivery is just one of the numerous complications associated with smoking during pregnancy.

Myth 7: Smoking relieves boredom

Fact: Smoking does not alleviate boredom, as it does not truly reduce stress or anxiety. Relying on cigarettes to combat boredom can lead to addiction instead.

Myth 8: Smokeless tobacco is healthier than cigarettes

Fact: Smokeless tobacco, though not inhaled into the lungs, is still tobacco. It contains nicotine and other cancer-causing substances, which are absorbed through the lining of the mouth and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.

Myth 9: My smoking (second-hand smoke) doesn’t affect anyone around me

Fact: Secondhand smoke is equally dangerous and can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other serious illnesses for those exposed to it. Quitting smoking not only benefits yourself but also protects your loved ones.

Burst the Myths and Quit Smoking Safely

It’s time to discard these misconceptions and take the necessary steps to quit smoking. Remember, there is ample support available to help you on your journey to a smoke-free life. By dispelling these myths, you can embrace a healthier and happier future.

So, don’t fall for these myths—quit smoking and reclaim your life!

Sources: https://ncvc.org
Category: Health