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Busted – 6 myths people have about quitting smoking

Thomas3.20.2010
0 3 11

Smokers often look for excuses to not give up smoking. The fact is, there may be a 100 reasons to quit smoking, but in order to feel good about themselves smokers chose to focus on the 5 valid reasons they might have to continue smoking. Often, these valid reasons are not even true and in this post we’ll bust some of the common myths about quitting smoking. 

1. Quitting smoking will make me gain weight

A new study has revealed that quitting smoking may not result in a person putting on weight. The study, conducted by University of Otago, followed the progress of about 1000 people born in Dunedin in 1972-1973 and measured their smoking habits and weight regularly from the age of 15 to 38, Stuff.co.nz reported. According to the findings, both male and female quitters were likely to gain about 5 kilograms more than those who carried on smoking, but their weight returned to the same level as those who had never smoked.

The study also found that being a smoker did not prevent long-term weight gain, and all the groups in the study put on weight as they aged, regardless of their smoking status. Head researcher Lindsay Robertson said that a previous study had suggested people might gain large amounts of weight after quitting, but these studies were unreliable. The study was published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research journal. 

2. No one else is getting harmed by my smoking

You might think that all the toxic smoke of the cigarettes is going into your lungs only, but you are wrong. According to some estimates, a waiter working in a smoky bar inhales the same amount of toxic smoke as a smoker who smokes 10 cigarettes a day. Read more about the 5 Ds that can start you on your path to smoking.

3. I can quit whenever I want!

In terms of addictive potential, nicotine is as addictive as some hard drugs. Which means that once you’re hooked, it’s extremely difficult to quit. It becomes such an integral part of your life that only when you decide to quit cold turkey that you realise how dependent you’ve become to cigarettes. 

4. I smoke just 3-5 cigarettes a day which is fine

While you may think that as compared to people who smoke 10-15 cigarettes a day, smoking 3-5 is way safer. However, this notion too is a myth. There is no safe-range for smoking. According to a Norweigian study, male smokers who smoked just 3-5 cigarettes a day were three times more likely to get lung cancer than non-smokers. Also, people who smoke less tend to take in larger puffs and exhale lesser making them more susceptible  to the toxic elements present in cigarettes. Read about the different ways in which you can quit smoking.

5. I am going to die any way! It’s better that I do it young

Some cigarette companies glorify smoking as a young man’s indulgence. But, this notion is wrong as smoking does not just kill you it also brings down the quality of your life. Your bones lose their density, your skin becomes worse, you could suffer from bad breath and erectile dysfunction might hit you earlier than expected. In short, smoking speeds up your ageing process. Yes, you are going to die any way but wouldn’t you like to live whatever years you have in good health? Read more about the dangerous chemicals present in a cigarette.

6. I am helping the economy by smoking tobacco

A lot of people working for the tobacco industry cite the number of people employed because of tobacco, amount of tax collected by the government, etc. and while these numbers might be true, they paint only half the picture. Tobacco is also the reason behind many families losing their breadwinner causing them much distress. Also, it can make employees feel lethargic and fatigued at work resulting in diminished returns for a company. Even though, your smoking habit may not be causing any such harm it is wrong to justify the sale of tobacco using such logic.

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About the Author
63 years old. 20 year smoker. 11 Years FREE! Diagnosed with COPD. Choosing a Quality LIFE! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1