As we enter the new year, the issue of tobacco addiction continues to preoccupy many individuals around the world. Despite the growing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, an alarming number of people continue to endanger their well-being and lives by smoking. Why do so many people continue to expose themselves to such dangers? The answer lies in understanding the powerful hold of tobacco addiction.
The dangers of smoking are widely documented and evident. On average, a long-term regular smoker loses about ten years of their life, with only half living beyond the age of 70, compared to 80% of non-smokers. Smoking not only threatens mortality, but also significantly increases the risk of debilitating conditions such as stroke, angina, emphysema, and high blood pressure.
Yet despite the overwhelming knowledge of these risks, 92.9% of South African adults acknowledge that smoking causes serious diseases, and yet 12.7 million adults in the country (29.4%) continue to smoke, according to the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey.
So why do so many people continue to put their lives at risk in this way? The answer lies in the powerful addiction to nicotine, the main addictive component of tobacco. Nicotine quickly reaches the brain, providing a feeling of “pleasure” that makes smoking so addictive. While nicotine itself has a tolerable profile, other components of cigarette smoke, such as carbon monoxide and tar, are responsible for major health risks.
In the face of this reality, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offers a glimmer of hope. NRT is an effective method of combating nicotine addiction without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. By providing a controlled amount of nicotine, NRT reduces withdrawal symptoms and helps manage cravings, significantly increasing the chances of quitting.
Over 100 placebo-controlled trials support the effectiveness of NRT, showing that it can double a smoker’s chances of quitting for 6 to 12 months. Additional studies have shown that using NRT can increase the chances of quitting successfully by around 50% to 60%. This substantial evidence underscores the importance of NRT in smoking cessation strategies.
NRT comes in a variety of forms, including gum, patches, nasal sprays, inhalers and tablets. Brands such as Kenvue Nicorette have become synonymous with smoking cessation products, as a complement to behavioural therapy. For example, nicotine gum is particularly popular due to its effectiveness. For optimal use of Nicorette gum, it is recommended to chew it slowly until a tingling sensation is felt, then place it between the cheek and gums. This process helps manage the urge to smoke by providing a gradual release of nicotine, thereby facilitating the quitting process.
Basic health education can also influence smoking habits. A 10-year prospective intervention study in India saw 36,000 tobacco users initially screened for oral cancer and pre-cancerous signs, and then screened annually over the decade. At each visit, they were given information about the effects of their tobacco use. By the end of the study, 11% of men and 37% of women had stopped smoking, compared to only 2% and 10% respectively in the control group.
Research shows that all forms of licensed NRT improve the ability to quit smoking. While some smokers may experience mild to moderate side effects, research consistently shows that NRT has a good tolerability profile and greatly improves the likelihood of success. By delivering nicotine in a controlled and safer way, NRT allows smokers to gradually reduce their dependence, making the transition away from smoking more manageable.
NRT is an effective, science-backed way to combat the nicotine addiction that keeps smokers smoking. As we continue to innovate and increase access to these therapies, brands like Kenvue Nicorette and other smoking cessation treatments will remain essential tools in the global effort to reduce smoking rates and improve public health. Quitting smoking is undeniably difficult, but with the right tools and support, it is an achievable and life-saving goal.