Although smoking cigarettes is harmful to everyone, people living with diabetes are already at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, so smoking compounds their risk.
Myth #1: I’ve tried so many times to quit and I go back to smoking. I should give up!
Truth: The more often you try to quit, the more likely you will succeed… so don’t give up!
Myth #2: I brought this on myself so I should quit by myself… go cold turkey!
Truth: Although some people do succeed by going “cold turkey”, studies show that people are more likely to succeed if they use smoking cessation help with medications such as Champix® (varenicline) / Zyban® (bupropion) or nicotine replacement (patches, gums etc.).
Support by healthcare professionals, friends or family also helps, as does having a plan. This includes picking a “start date” and analyzing your “habit” – when and under what circumstances do you smoke?
Myth #3: It’s too late for me. I’m old… I’ve already had a heart attack
Truth: Quitting smoking can cut your risk of another heart attack by 50%. Research also indicates that people who continue smoking after being discharged from the hospital are more than three times more likely to die within a year compared to those who successfully quit. There is a longer life expectancy by quitting, even if over age 80!
Myth #4: I like smoking cigarettes because it relaxes me.
Truth: Smoking does not relax people. Cigarettes are stimulants that increases blood pressure and pulse. The perceived relaxation comes from satisfying the nicotine addiction, which reduces anxiety associated with withdrawal.
Myth #5: I smoke “light” cigarettes so that’s ok.
Truth:. “Light” cigarettes do not reduce the health risks associated with cigarette use.
Myth #6: I only smoke ½ a pack so I am not that addicted.
Truth: Although the number of cigarettes can be a link to the amount of addiction… take this test.…. How soon after you wake up do you have your first cigarette?
Do you smoke in the middle of the night?
Do you smoke within ½ hour of getting out of bed?
Do you wait until noon to smoke your first cigarette?
These all indicate an addiction to cigarettes. Knowing this, in addition to how many cigarettes you smoke, can help you decide the dose of nicotine replacement (patches) you need. Nicotine levels are the lowest in 24 hours in the morning because people have gone without a cigarette (nicotine) overnight, so this drives addictive behaviour.
The person wanting to quit should speak with their pharmacist or physician when picking a patch dose. It is also recommended that patches be combined with one form of short-acting nicotine replacement (i.e. gum, lozenge, nasal spray, inhaler) for breakthrough cravings.
The following is a guide only.
“Light” smokers (<10 cigarettes per day) start with 14mg patch
“Moderate” smokers (10-29 cigarettes per day) start with 21mg patch
“Heavy” smokers (>29 cigarettes per day) start with 21+7mg patches
It is recommended to remain on the patch for at least 4 weeks, with best results among those who remain on it for 8-12 weeks. As you lose the urge to smoke you can gradually decrease the dose of the patch with the help of your doctor and/or pharmacist.
Myth #7: I shouldn’t use patches (nicotine replacement) or medication to help me stop smoking because I am pregnant.
Truth: Smoking is bad for babies. According to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, behavioural therapy and education is the first-line therapy for smoking cessation. If this therapy fails, then nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum or bupropion may be offered after an informed discussion of the benefits and risks of therapy. There is lots of help out there.
Where to get support
Get planning advice and specific things to do to quit from Health Canada’s On the road to Quitting – Guide to becoming a non-smoker. Several provinces also have very helpful programs. Here are some examples:
British Columbia
1-877-455-2233
Alberta
1-866-710-7848
Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/page/support-quit-smoking#section-1
Saskatchewan
https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/your-health/conditions-diseases-services/healthline-online/qtsmk
Prince Edward Island
https://pe.211.ca/result/public-health-smoking-cessation-program-66708679
Provincial Smokers’ Helplines are also available in some areas. For more information, check out the following website: smokershelpline.ca
Telephone numbers include:
Newfoundland & Labrador Smokers’ Helpline: 1-800-363-5864
New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia: 1-877-513-5333
