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Ahead of World No-Tobacco Day on May 31, experts are highlighting the benefits of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as a promising tool to help smokers quit. NRT can boost quit rates by 70% and reduce withdrawal symptoms, providing a much-needed lifeline for those struggling with tobacco addiction.
India, home to 266.8 million adult tobacco users, faces a significant public health challenge. This population includes cigarette and bidi smokers, as well as smokeless tobacco users. Nicotine, the primary addictive component in cigarettes, delivers rapid pleasurable effects, making it difficult for individuals to quit.
“NRT acts as a temporary replacement for a small quantity of nicotine, helping control cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, thus facilitating the transition to tobacco abstinence,” explained Dr. Nikhil Modi, Consultant – Critical Care, Respiratory Medicine & Sleep Disorder, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi.
Dr. Modi emphasized the challenge of quitting, noting that while nearly 70% of smokers want to quit, only 3-5% succeed. Unlike cigarettes, NRT provides a gradual and minimal increase in blood nicotine levels, discouraging misuse and helping smokers quit.
“Without adequate cessation services, 160 million more smokers worldwide could die by 2050,” Dr. Modi warned. Despite having 19 cessation centers in India, the country still has the world’s second-largest smoking population. Dr. Modi urged the adoption of successful strategies from other nations to combat this issue.
Tobacco use is a significant health risk, increasing the likelihood of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke. The widespread use of NRT in the US and Europe has shown considerable success, and experts believe that India could replicate these successes by improving NRT awareness and accessibility.
“NRT, available in various forms like patches, lozenges, inhalers, sprays, and gum, can increase quit rates by 50-70% by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings,” said Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant at the Department of Pulmonology, BLK MAX Hospital in New Delhi. He highlighted the severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur when quitting tobacco abruptly, such as headaches, insomnia, mood changes, and poor cognition.
Dr. Gupta noted that non-tobacco substitutes play a crucial role in reducing the urge to smoke gradually. Countries such as the UK, Australia, the US, Canada, and France have seen substantial success with NRT. Ensuring the hassle-free availability and accessibility of NRT could greatly assist Indian smokers in quitting.
As World No-Tobacco Day approaches, the call to action is clear: India must enhance its NRT strategies and resources to help its large population of tobacco users transition to a healthier, smoke-free life.
