Smoking and Vaping – New and old danger

Smoking and vaping are hazardous habits with significant short-term and long-term health risks. The dangers associated with smoking and vaping highlight the benefits of quitting, explore the cost savings of quitting based on Australian prices, and supply five proven tips to help individuals kick these habits, drawing insights from Quit.org.au.

Both smoking and vaping have detrimental effects on health. Smoking exposes individuals to over 7,000 toxic chemicals, leading to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and reduced fertility. Although considered less harmful, vaping still carries risks such as lung injury, nicotine addiction, impaired lung function, and potential exposure to toxic chemicals. Vaping has been banned in more than 40 countries due to the increasing range of unknown risks to the user. Both habits can negatively affect oral health, increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, and harm the overall well-being of individuals.

Quitting smoking yields numerous health benefits. Within just 20 minutes of quitting, blood pressure and heart rate normalise. Over time, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer risk significantly decrease. Among the many advantages of quitting smoking are improved lung function, increased energy levels, reduced risk of infertility, and improved sense of taste and smell. Moreover, quitting smoking leads to better overall health, longevity, and quality of life.

When it comes to vaping, quitting can have notable advantages. By ceasing to vape, individuals reduce their risk of developing lung injury and respiratory illnesses associated with vaping. Common benefits include improved lung function, decreased nicotine dependence, and reduced exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, quitting vaping can save money overall, as the cost of e-cigarette devices, pods, and e-liquids increases significantly over time.

In Australia, the financial benefits of quitting smoking or vaping are enormous. A pack-a-day smoker spends around $9,000 per year on cigarettes. By quitting, individuals can save this considerable amount, which could be better given towards holidays and other enjoyable activities, and this does not even include the federal government’s 5% tax increase on cigarettes. Similarly, vaping can be expensive, depending on the frequency and type of device used. By quitting vaping, individuals can achieve significant long-term financial savings. On top of the immediate financial benefits of quitting smoking or vaping, the fact is that in Australia, smoking kills over 20,500 Australians, which is 13% of deaths, yet currently, only 10% of the population still smokes. The good news for Australia is that fewer young people are taking up the habit of smoking. Initially marketed as a “safer” alternative, vaping is proving to have many dangers to people’s health and not solve the addiction issue to nicotine. The Australian government has become concerned about vaping risks and has increased controls on importation and sale.

Tips to Quit Smoking and Vaping

• Seek support: Engaging with a supportive network of friends, family, or professionals can significantly enhance the chances of quitting smoking or vaping successfully.

• Set a quit date: Setting up a specific date to quit smoking or vaping supplies a tangible goal to work towards. Marking this date in your calendar will mentally prepare you for the change.

• Find triggers and develop coping strategies: Recognize the situations, emotions, or activities that trigger the urge to smoke or vape. Once found, develop alternative coping mechanisms such as exercise, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in a hobby to distract yourself from cravings. In addition, learning skills around mindfulness could be significant in your quit preparation.

• Consider nicotine replacement therapy: Medications like patches, gum, or lozenges can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Consult your GP or healthcare professional to determine the most suitable choice.

Stay persistent and don’t give up: Quitting smoking or vaping can be challenging, but perseverance is key. If you experience setbacks, learn from them and use them as motivation to continue your journey towards a smoke-free or vape-free life.

Smoking and vaping cause dangers to your short-term and long-term health. Quitting smoking and vaping offers many benefits, including improved overall health, reduced risks of chronic diseases, and increased financial savings. By using proven tips such as seeking support, setting a quit date, identifying triggers, considering nicotine replacement therapy, and maintaining persistence, individuals can successfully overcome these habits and embrace a healthier, smoke-free, and vape-free life.

For more information and resources, visit Quit.org.au.