A pack of cigarette will cost Rs 22 to 25 more than before. The government's decision to raise taxes on cigarettes came about last year and from now on the cigarettes will be available at a revised rate. This is the first time the government has decided to increase prices in around 7 years. The decision was taken in view of global public health norms and to dissuade people from consuming it.
Moneycontrol team spoke to Dr Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant & HOD, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, to understand the harmful effects of smoking, how one can truly stop from consuming it and his take on government's decision.
"Raising tobacco prices is a strong public health step. Higher tobacco prices keep first time users and young people from starting. Higher tobacco prices also make current smokers think about cutting or quitting. Studies show that price hikes lower tobacco use and cuts long term health costs from cancer, heart disease and lung disease. The price increase tells the public that tobacco use is not only a personal choice but a serious public health problem," Dr Budhraja opined.
"I personally feel that a lot of people who think of quitting or cutting down on smoking are unable to do so without strong willpower, because they don't change their behaviour at all. So, I focus on introducing certain things that help my patients cut down on smoking," he said. Bringing about some changes in the routine helps break the triggers that lead to smoking.
Also read: Doctor says these 3 medicines can save a heart attack patient
Dr Budhraja always tells his patients to delay the urge by at least ten minutes until the craving to smoke fades.
One can't do this trick all the time, but it is effective. Holding ice in mouth helps fade the urge to smoke.
A lot of people end up spending a huge chunk of their disposable income on packs of cigarettes. To quit smoking, one must constantly think of how much money they will be able to save if they quit smoking altogether or cut down on it.
A lot of smokers will agree that keeping their mouth busy helps them cut down on number of cigarettes in a day. One can try taking fennel seeds or sugar-free lozenges to start with. Fennel naturally freshens breath, countering the smell of tobacco and making cigarettes less appealing.
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your body. Your body starts to heal immediately, your breathing becomes easier, energy levels will go up. Your risk of heart attack and stroke comes down within weeks. As the time passes, your lungs begin to heal, immune system gets stronger and the chances of cancer go down significantly, Dr Budhraja stated.
"Beyond these immediate health concerns, quitting smoking also helps promote good sleep, fresh skin, sharper taste and smell and more money saved. Those good things make life better," he added.
Also read: Woman slips into same dress after losing 45 kilos, the difference is shocking
"When I counsel my smoker patients, there are two aspects I cover always. One is of course telling them the benefits of quitting smoking. Equally important is when I tell them what will happen once they stop smoking. I tell them all they are likely to experience mood swings, changes in their appetite, sleep cycle and that they may feel restless also," he said.
The idea behind forewarning about the temporary side effects of quitting smoking is to mentally prepare people in advance so that they don't resort to smoking again.
"You know I also share life experiences of other people with my smoker patients. I tell them how people who used to smoke are suffering from diseases like cancer, tuberculosis and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease even after they have quit smoking. Their quality of life significantly deteriorates. They develop comorbidities and it becomes really difficult to treat conditions," Dr Budhraja told Moneycontrol.
"One good way to go about quitting smoking is adopting the cold turkey method. It means to stop smoking right away. People who think they will gradually bring down the number of smokes usually don't succeed in their endeavour to quit smoking. So, the cold turkey method is something which we usually advise the patients after proper counseling," he advised.
1. Why is quitting smoking important?
Quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and stroke, and improves overall health and life expectancy.
2. What happens to the body after quitting smoking?
Within hours, oxygen levels improve. Over weeks and months, lung function, circulation, taste, smell, and heart health gradually get better.
3. Is it normal to have cravings after quitting?
Yes. Nicotine cravings are common, especially in the first few weeks, but they become weaker and less frequent over time.
4. How long do nicotine withdrawal symptoms last?
Withdrawal symptoms usually peak within the first 3–7 days and gradually reduce over 2–4 weeks.
5. What are some effective ways to manage cravings?
Distractions, deep breathing, physical activity, drinking water, chewing fennel seeds, and using sugar-free or nicotine lozenges can help.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
