Smoking and alcohol consumption are major risk factors that lead to the development of chronic non-communicable diseases and death.Avoidance of Risky Substances)’Therefore, it is considered one of the pillars of the4 of lifestyle medicine, which focuses on promoting health through lifestyle modification.

                Cigarettes are a major cause of premature death.(Premature death) About 5–7 million people die from smoking each year. Smoking affects the functioning of various systems in the body, such as:

• Respiratory diseases- Smokers have an increased risk of up to7.6 As in women, and6.3 As a result, the average life expectancy decreases by about20 years in women, and18 Years in men

• Vascular diseases - The risk of atherosclerosis in smokers increases.3.1 As in women, and2.9 It was found that women lost an average life expectancy of 10 years and men lost an average life expectancy of 14 years.

Cancer– Smoking increases the risk 2.8 As in women, and3.1 Both sexes lose the same average life expectancy at12 Year

                Therefore, the sooner you can quit smoking, the better it will be. The healthier it will be, and the more likely it is to recover from the damage caused by smoking. Studies have shown that quitting smoking before age40 Reduce the risk of related deaths by up to90% Compared to those who still smoke. By those who quit smoking at a younger age.40 The average life expectancy will be longer.12 However, if you quit smoking at an age,40-49 This will increase life expectancy.6 And if you quit smoking at the age of50-59 years will only increase2.5 Year

It can be seen that the benefits of quitting smoking will decrease with age. However, those who have quit smoking for too long.10 It can reduce the loss of life expectancy.8-15 It can be said that the risk of death for people who have quit smoking for a long time may be similar to those who have never smoked at all.

Smoking cessation guidelines

Quitting smoking can be done based on 3 main approaches:

1. Drug therapy(Pharmacotherapy)

The use of smoking cessation medications plays an important role in alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It helps increase the chances of successful smoking cessation. For example:

• Nicotine Substitutes(Nicotine Replacement Therapy: NRT) - Allows you to control the amount of nicotine you need. To gradually reduce the amount of nicotine. This product contains5 Forms approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) Nicotine patches Lozenges Chewing gum Inhalers and nasal sprays, or
• Drugs that act on nicotine receptors in the braine.g. bupropion.(Bupropion) Varenic Clean(Varenicline) Both drugs allow for more effective nicotine withdrawal.

However, the use of these medications is necessary. Always consult a doctor first, as they may have side effects or interacts with other medications.

2. Behavioral therapy(Behavioral Therapy)

This method is a non-drug smoking mindset and behavior modification, such as cognitive behavior modification.(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT) Motivation(Motivational Interviewing) or other methods to reinforce behavior change.

These strategies to modify these behaviors are often not used in one or another method, but applied together, with the goal of encouraging smokers to self-control. Stop smoking behavior and change concepts, beliefs, or attitudes that may be obstacles to smoking cessation. It also helps to structure behavior changes in a concrete way, such as setting goals and setting clear quit dates. Monitoring yourself through a record of the time or place you smoke, and learning and practicing skills that can be used to take care of yourself after quitting smoking and prevent smoking again.

3. Combination therapy(Combination Therapy)

Combination therapy is an approach that brings Behavioral therapy and drug therapy together, which includes brief advice from a doctor or nurse alongside medication, is what people who intend to quit smoking are most likely to look for.

However, a large number of patients still lack the motivation to quit smoking seriously. Even if they express a desire to quit smoking, Adopting a hybrid approach will increase the chances of quitting smoking successfully.

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for quitting smoking that works for everyone. Factors that affect smoking, whether it is gender, culture or age, must be taken into account.to suit each individual.

For those who want to quit smoking. Currently, there are many channels that are ready to support and assist in quitting smoking seriously. Whether it is a smoking cessation hotline.1600 Fa Sai ClinicClinics that help with smoking cessation Located in hospitals over500 nationwide. In addition, there are pharmacies that volunteer to help people quit smoking. In the NCPO project.. Or online clinics that provide services through the system.Tele-medicine Therapy can be tracked through online channels.

Quitting smoking is:‘The best gifts to give to yourself and your loved ones’ So that everyone can breathe with their lungs. For a healthy body and a long life, start taking action today for the best results for the body. The decision to quit smoking this time will be a big change in health and a better quality of life every day.

By Medical Team BDMS Wellness Clinic Institute

and the Association of Doctors to Restore Health and Promote Obesity Education. Krung Ung Thep (BARSO)

Reference List

1. Cho ER, Brill IK, Gram IT, Brown PE, Jha P. Smoking cessation and short-and longer-term mortality. NEJM evidence. 2024 Feb 27;3(3):EVIDoa2300272.
2. Onwuzo CN, Olukorode J, Sange W, Orimoloye DA, Udojike C, Omoragbon L, et al. A Review of smoking cessation interventions: efficacy, strategies for implementation, and future directions. Cureus. 2024 Jan 11;16(1).
3. American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Avoidance of Risky Substances [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 15]. Available from: https://lifestylemedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LM-Avoid-Risk-23.pdf