New WHO guidelines for quitting tobacco addiction: Understand the challenges

Psychological dependence: Beyond physical dependence, many people struggle with the psychological aspects of quitting tobacco. This includes habitual behaviours and emotional triggers linked to smoking. Psychological dependence involves the brain's response to the habitual use of tobacco as a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, or social interactions. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that breaking these mental associations is vital for successful cessation.

Social and environmental triggers: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), environmental cues can strongly influence smoking behaviour. Social environments and daily routines that involve tobacco use can trigger cravings. Being around other smokers, certain locations, or specific times of day are a few triggers.

Lack of support: Quitting tobacco alone can be extremely challenging. Lack of support from family, friends, or doctors can make the process more difficult. Studies published in the Journal of Smoking Cessation indicate that social support significantly increases the likelihood of successful quitting. Support groups, counseling, and family encouragement are important elements.

Fear of weight gain: Many people fear gaining weight after quitting smoking, as nicotine suppresses appetite and increases metabolism. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that weight gain is a common concern, with average weight gain after quitting ranging from 5 to 10 pounds.

Co-existing mental health conditions: Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress can complicate efforts to quit smoking, as tobacco is often used as a self-medication tool. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reveals that people with mental health conditions have higher smoking rates and may require integrated treatment approaches that address both nicotine dependence and mental health issues.

Access to effective cessation tools: Many tobacco users lack access to effective cessation aids, such as counseling, medications, or nicotine replacement therapies (NRT). The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that over 70% of tobacco users worldwide do not have access to adequate cessation services. Increasing the availability and affordability of these tools is vital for reducing global tobacco addiction rates.

New WHO guidelines for quitting tobacco:

WHO's new guidelines recommend combining pharmacotherapy with behavioural interventions for quitting tobacco, endorsing medications like varenicline, NRT, bupropion, and cytisine. Starting in 2023, WHO began prequalifying medications for tobacco-related disorders, with Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch being the first WHO-prequalified NRT products in April 2024. WHO supports brief health worker counseling, intensive support through individual, group, or phone counseling, and digital interventions like text messaging and apps to aid tobacco cessation efforts globally.