Live Well: Quitting Tobacco

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is linked to many health issues. Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and e-cigarettes all contain nicotine. The long-term effects of using tobacco can lead to serious lung diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. It is also associated with higher risks of type 2 diabetes.

Fortunately, quitting tobacco comes with a whole host of health benefits. Here are a few tips to help you quit tobacco for good:

Set a quit date

Choose a quit date and mark it on your calendar. Then, share your plans openly with friends and family who can support and encourage you. Setting a quit date helps strengthen your commitment to quitting.

Create a tobacco-free environment

Remove all tobacco products from your home, car, and any spaces where you keep supplies. It may also be helpful to stay away from places or people that make you want to smoke until you’ve had time to create new routines.

Talk with your healthcare provider

Quitting tobacco can result in irritability, anxiety, changes in sleep patterns, increased appetite, and weight gain.

That is why it is important to get the support you need in advance to help minimize side effects. Discuss your quit plans with your healthcare provider and ask for guidance on how to deal with withdrawal symptoms.

You may also want to ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which can help reduce cravings and make it easier for you to quit. There are a variety of NRT medications available: nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, nasal sprays, as well as orally taken medications Varenicline (Champix), and Bupropion (Zyban). Other non-prescription quit aids, such as sugarless gum, straws, and toothpicks, may also be helpful for some people. While NRT medications are not covered under Beneva, midwives who opted into the Wellness Spending Account (WSA) can get costs reimbursed through myHSA.

There are also online smoking cessation resources available through TELUS Health, or you can call them at 1-888-235-0617 for one-on-one support.

The most important thing to know is that every tobacco user can quit.

If you use tobacco, you can take action right now by calling 811 or visiting www.smokershelpline.ca.

Indigenous people can access culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and commercial tobacco by calling 1 833 998-TALK (8255) or visiting www.smokershelpline.ca/talktobacco.