Texas Tech Physicians specialists have shared valuable insights on the dangers of smoking, vaping, and dipping, as well as tips for overcoming these addictions. According to Sara Tello, a nurse practitioner specializing in treating tobacco dependency, a comprehensive treatment plan and compassionate support can significantly improve success rates for those trying to quit.
The Importance of a Personalized Approach
Tello emphasizes the need for a personalized approach when helping individuals quit tobacco products. Rather than setting strict "quit dates" or making people feel stressed, she focuses on finding the right strategy for each person. "It's a process," Tello explains, adding that she doesn't believe in taking away tobacco products abruptly.
Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Use
Smoking, vaping, and dipping pose severe health consequences, affecting multiple systems within the body. Texas Tech Physicians specialists highlight the following risks:
- Lung Disease and Injury: Early exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of asthma, chronic cough, bronchitis, and ultimately, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the overall impact of e-cigarette use is unknown, lung injury has been potentially associated with vaping, according to Dr. Victor Test, a Texas Tech Physicians pulmonologist.
- Heart Disease and Stroke: Dr. Scott Shurmur, a Texas Tech Physicians cardiologist, explains that tobacco smoke has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. In the long term, it damages arterial linings, making them more vulnerable to cholesterol plaque formation and inflammation. Acutely, tobacco smoke makes platelets "stickier" and more likely to form clots, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
Other health risks include diabetes, as nicotine raises blood sugar and causes inflammation, and various types of cancer, as tobacco products and secondhand smoke contain chemicals that damage DNA.
Benefits of Quitting Tobacco Products
The National Cancer Institute has found that people who quit using tobacco products, regardless of their age, have substantial gains in life expectancy compared to those who continue. Tello notes that most people quickly realize health improvements as they reduce their tobacco product use, with patients reporting better breathing, vision, and cognitive function.
Overcoming the Challenges of Quitting
Quitting tobacco products can be particularly challenging due to the chemically addictive additives and psychological dependence associated with their use. Tello emphasizes that only one in 10 smokers can quit cold turkey, as tobacco companies alter their products to be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.
While e-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke, Tello stresses that this does not make e-cigarettes a good alternative, stating that "the only thing safe to breathe in is air."
Effective Treatment Options
Various prescription and over-the-counter treatment options are available to help individuals quit smoking, vaping, or dipping. Tello recommends consulting a tobacco cessation specialist or physician to determine if a combination of therapies is needed.
Medications like Chantix and Wellbutrin can help bypass the brain's addiction response and moderate mood, while nicotine patches, gum, sprays, and lozenges can provide nicotine without the chemically addictive additives found in tobacco products. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help patients alter triggering routines and address the psychological aspects of addiction.
The Importance of Support and Persistence
Tello stresses that relapse can be a normal part of the quitting process and encourages patients to stay persistent. She also emphasizes the importance of loved ones being supportive without judgment, as being hard on individuals trying to quit can lead to increased tobacco use and a vicious cycle of hiding the habit.
"Love them and say, 'There's help when you're ready,'" Tello advises.
