How to quit Smoking? Best Treatment in Kathmandu

Are you looking to quit smoking and looking for best treatment plans in Kathmandu, Nepal? Please go through this article.

Smoking is an significant public health problem worldwide and also has high burden in Nepal. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2016, around 23.9% of adults aged 15 and above in Nepal reported being current tobacco smokers. The prevalence of smoking is higher among men compared to women. In Nepal, the smoking prevalence among adult men was approximately 39.2%, whereas among adult women, it was lower at around 11.6%.

Health adversities of smoking

Smoking poses a myriad of health risks, affecting nearly every organ system in the body. Let’s look the health adversities of smoking in different organ systems:

1. Respiratory Diseases: Smoking increases the risk of respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
2. Lung Cancer: Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that damage lung tissue, increasing the likelihood of developing lung cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
3. Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking damages blood vessels, leading to the buildup of plaque and increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
4. Weakened Immune System: Smoking compromises immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses, including respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza.
5. Diabetes Complications: Smoking exacerbates insulin resistance and impairs glucose metabolism, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and complicating its management.
6. Reproductive Health Risks: Smoking can lead to infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, and complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects.
7. Osteoporosis: Smoking accelerates bone loss and decreases bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women.
8. Cataracts and Eye Diseases: Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye diseases that can lead to vision impairment and blindness.
9. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and colorectal cancer.
10. Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing similar health problems as active smokers, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer.

 Neurobiology  of substance use

Substance use involves hijacking the brain’s reward system, primarily centered around the neurotransmitter dopamine. When a person engages in pleasurable activities, such as eating or socializing, dopamine is released in the brain, reinforcing those behaviors.

Methods to quit smoking

1. Counseling and Behavioral Therapy: Professional counseling and behavioral therapy sessions provide individuals with the tools and strategies needed to overcome nicotine use. Therapists tailor treatment plans to address personal triggers and challenges, empowering individuals to build healthier habits and coping mechanisms.
2. Medication-Assisted Therapy: Medication-assisted therapy combines pharmaceutical interventions with counseling support to enhance the success rates of smoking cessation. FDA-approved medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescription medications like bupropion and varenicline, help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, facilitating a smoother transition towards cessation.
3. Support Groups and Community Resources: Joining support groups and engaging with community resources offer invaluable peer support and encouragement throughout the quitting process. These platforms provide a sense of belonging and understanding, fostering solidarity among individuals with shared experiences and goals.
4. Holistic Approaches: Holistic approaches, including mindfulness practices, yoga, and acupuncture, complement traditional treatment modalities by addressing the mind-body connection. These techniques promote relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional well-being, facilitating a holistic approach to smoking cessation.

Smoking cessation in Kathmandu

Psychiatrists are the experts specialized for treatment of any type of substance use disorder. The nicotine replacement plans as per psychiatrist combined with the counselling, ways of handling craving, urge surfing and motivational interviewing are the key ways to get you rid our of smoking.

You can visit Dr. Purushottam Adhikari’s Mind Clinic, book appointment with the doctor and plan a session and proceed the treatment plans as per your need. We assure you to provide best  quitting smoking treatment plans available in Kathmandu, Nepal.