The CDC has launched a new campaign with free resources to help individuals quit smoking for good.

The CDC is not taking any more butts when it comes to smoking.

The CDC has launched the 2024 version of its federally funded national tobacco education campaign, focusing on helping more people quit smoking, particularly menthol cigarettes.

Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, stated that the CDC’s Tips campaign aims to enhance smoking cessation awareness and intervention among populations with higher smoking rates and poorer health outcomes, including those with mental illness, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Bazzi, who is not affiliated with the CDC, stated that the program's success depends on testimonials from the target communities, making the content more relatable and increasing the use of the free resources provided by the campaign.

The CDC's campaign, launched in 2012, showcases the experiences and advice of ex-smokers who successfully quit a dangerous habit.

The dangers of smoking

The CDC reported in a recent press release that smoking cigarettes is still the primary cause of preventable diseases, disabilities, and deaths in the U.S.

Lori Karan, M.D., a professor of internal medicine and preventive medicine at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that addictive drugs can change mood and are frequently taken compulsively, even though they cause illness.

Karan, a national expert in addiction medicine, stated that nicotine is psychoactive because it can be stimulating, relaxing, pleasurable, and helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, particularly when it counteracts its own withdrawal.

She stated that the cause of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease is not nicotine, but rather the chemicals present in tobacco.

Regular cigarettes have a lower health risk compared to menthol cigarettes, according to the CDC.

Peppermint plants naturally contain menthol, but it can also be synthesized in a laboratory setting.

Most cigarettes sold in the U.S. contain some level of menthol, but cigarettes labeled as "menthol" typically have higher amounts of the chemical.

"Karan stated that menthol has an anesthetic effect and the cooling sensation it provides makes it easier to inhale more deeply."

The doctor cautioned that menthol cigarettes increase the likelihood of toxin buildup in the deepest parts of the lungs due to menthol's interaction with and amplification of nicotine.

She stated that smokers who use menthol are more likely to continue smoking, increasing their risk of developing tobacco-related diseases.

The CDC noted in a press release that quitting smoking menthol cigarettes may be more challenging for some individuals compared to quitting non-menthol cigarettes.

The highest percentage of menthol-flavored cigarettes sold in the U.S. since 1963 was recorded in 2021, with a 37% market share, according to the CDC website.

Real stories of former smokers

The CDC is emphasizing Ethan B., 59, who began smoking cigarettes at age 10 and later switched to menthol cigarettes when he enlisted in the Army at age 18.

"He informed the CDC that he desired to appear and feel cool. He stated that he saw it advertised as cool on billboards."

Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the U.S.

Ethan B. realized that the tobacco ads he found appealing while growing up were misleading after quitting in 2020.

Elizabeth B., 62, began smoking menthol cigarettes at the age of 18 and was also a part of the CDC.

She was later diagnosed with smoking-related peripheral artery disease (PAD).

When the arteries that supply blood flow to the legs become blocked, individuals may experience difficulty walking without pain or cramping.

"If I had never smoked that first cigarette, I may not have lit the fuse for PAD," she said to the CDC. "My aim is to prevent other young people from starting smoking."

Tips to kick the habit

To quit, the CDC advises creating a personal plan, with the initial step being selecting a quit date.

Ensure that all cigarettes, including lighters, matches, and ashtrays, are removed from the home, car, and work areas before the specified date, advises the agency.

Be mindful of triggers that may lead to smoking.

The CDC advises on its website to steer clear of smoking triggers and cigarette availability during the initial weeks of quitting.

This may require that people avoid friends or co-workers when they smoke.

Finding ways to distract oneself is important when the urge to smoke arises.

Instead of quitting smoking, the agency suggests creating a list of alternative activities to try first.

Engaging in leisure activities such as listening to music, going for a walk, playing a video game, or watching a funny video on your phone.

To keep your mouth and hands busy when you feel the urge to smoke, you could try using alternatives like toothpicks, straws or cinnamon sticks.

The agency pointed out that quitting smoking is difficult and one may experience cravings for cigarettes.

The CDC states that the urge will diminish for most individuals within minutes and will gradually weaken over time.

Medications to help people quit

For some, medications can be helpful in reducing the compulsion to smoke.

""Speak to your health care provider about medications to quit, and don't give up," Bazzi advised."

Quitting smoking often requires a combination of medication, nicotine replacement therapy, and counseling, she stated.

One of the CDC's featured quitters, John B., is a 61-year-old man who began smoking at the age of 8.

Despite attempting various methods such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and abstinence, he was unable to quit smoking for a complete day.

He found a doctor who had quit smoking and could relate to his struggles.

The doctor recommended two smoking cessation medicines, including a nicotine inhaler, and counseling.

At age 38, John B. was finally able to quit for good.

A combination of medicines is often most effective, according to the CDC.

A combination of a nicotine patch and either a lozenge or gum can provide both steady and fast-acting relief from nicotine cravings.

Individuals can contact the toll-free number 1-800-QUIT-NOW to confidentially speak with a quit coach without any judgment.

The CDC was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for more information on the Tips campaign.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health.