It’s a topic encircled in all sorts of myths and conceptions. After all, many people are desperate to quit smoking for good, but the temptations often prove too large.
We have seen some improvements over time, with the recent pandemic seemingly forcing large groups of people to quit cigarettes for good. However, smoking is still a worldwide health issue, with physical and financial repercussions known to all.
Bearing this in mind, today’s article will explore some of the common myths about smoking to help you get over the line. Let’s now debunk some of them for good.
Myth #1 – It’s Hard to Quit Smoking
This is one of the most common myths surrounding smoking. People tend to think that it’s hard to quit because they’ve tried and failed in the past.
The truth is, it’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of resources available to help you quit, and with the right support, you can be smoke-free for good.
Is going cold turkey difficult? You bet! However, this is only the tip of the iceberg, and we’ve seen more and more resources come available over the years, which makes smoking that little bit easier to overcome.
Myth #2 – Quitting Smoking Makes You Put on Weight
This is another common myth that puts a lot of people off quitting for good.
The truth is, you might put on a few pounds when you first give up smoking. This is because your body is adjusting to not having nicotine, and you may find yourself snacking more than usual.
On the flip side, some people won’t turn to snacks to overcome their addiction. Again, there are all sorts of other mechanisms that are now out there and switching smoking for food perhaps isn’t as common as it once was.
Myth #3 – Nicotine Replacement Therapy is Just as Bad as Smoking
NRT products have been demonised over the years, with many people believing that they are just as harmful as cigarettes.
This simply isn’t the case. NRT products are designed to help you wean yourself off cigarettes, and they are a lot less harmful than smoking.
In fact, NRT products are up to 95% less harmful than smoking, so if you’re looking to quit, they could be a good option for you.
Myth #4 – It’s Too Late to Quit
This is perhaps the most encouraging myth of all. Naturally, the longer you smoke, the more damage your body incurs.
However, the good news is that quitting can reverse this damage over time. For example, your risk of heart disease starts to decrease within just a year of quitting, and after 15 years, your risk is the same as someone who has never smoked before.
So, it’s never too late to give up smoking, and the sooner you do, the better.
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