How to end a deadly affair

By: Sheetal Sukhija Date: 2011-08-09 Place: Mumbai

Actor Michael Douglas announced his intention to quit but was caught smoking soon after. Active! gives you tips on how to quit for good

Nicotine addicts mock claims about alternative solutions to help kick the butt as the need to take deep drags often gets to the best of them. So, when throat cancer surviving actor Michael Douglas announced that he would kick the butt, there were skeptics who smirked at the thought. He proved them right, as he was spotted smoking away in style while on a holiday.



The World Lung Foundation revealed a year back that India, apart from China, forms the world's biggest tobacco consumers. Doctors reveal that tobacco is smoked in many forms in the country and statistics prove that 229 million men and 12 million women across the country smoke tobacco and find it hard to kick the habit.

"Nicotine is the most commonly found drug in tobacco. When you smoke, it enters your system and causes physical and psychological dependence. You need to believe that the habit is going to harm you and that is where you start," says Dr Girish Nair, Neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Although doctors have little scientific evidence about hypnosis as a therapy, it has proved helpful. "Hypnosis can be used as a powerful tool to motivate people to quit," explains Dr Nair.

Not addicted, really?
Doctors claim that the habit often sticks for long, if not kicked off early in one's smoking days. "Those who have a craving to smoke even one cigarette a day are addicted in some form. If they stay away from cigarettes for long, they may feel uncomfortable. A common misconception is that cutting down will help people quit. If one needs to quit, they should do just that ” quit completely," says Dr Nair.

Harmful chemicals gain entry
Dr Tejindra Singh, Oncologist, Fortis Hospital, says, "There are around 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette. Around 200 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer. These chemicals change the molecular structure of the DNA and the DNA gets damaged and doesn't repair."

He adds, "Nicotine and other chemicals are carried through the blood to the heart, brain liver and spleen. They affect the hormonal system, a person's metabolism and eventually damage the brain."

Therapy to the rescue
Doctors suggest that the best way to get de-addicted is to use alternate ways to satisfy the nicotine need for a smoker. "There is a psychological preparation called Buspirone that helps people overcome the craving for nicotine. The non-pharmacological methods consist of therapy and counselling that help you quit. Apart from that, a person could start with nicotine sprays, gums and patches," concludes Dr Nair.

Yes you can quit smoking, says Obama
Being the man in power, who presently seems to be tensed because of the US downgrade, it sure seems like a time when Barack Obama would want to pop one of those sticks to do away with the world's tensions.

However, Obama, who set an example for many in various walks of life, has finally managed to quit the habit.

Having picked up the habit early in life, Obama stuck to it for a long time and would smoke at least eight cigarettes a day. He had earlier said that his wife was the motivation behind him kicking the evil habit and had promised her to quit when he embarked on his campaign to become president. However, it was only a few months back that the man in power eventually gave up the stick, for a peaceful healthier life -- as nicotine gums came to his rescue.