Cigarettes, Smokeless Tobacco, and Vapes: Key Facts for Quitting and Staying Healthy
Tobacco products come in different forms, each with its own health risks. Whether it’s the traditional smoking of cigarettes, the use of smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes (vapes), all have nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance. Understanding the three main types of tobacco products is important.
- Smoking tobacco
Cigarette smoking is the practice of burning tobacco and breathing it in. Smoking tobacco can cause cancer. It can also cause many other diseases that impact almost every organ in the body. - Smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is chewed, sucked, or sniffed. It comes in many forms. It can be ground or in pouches that are then placed in the mouth. There are also smokeless products that look a lot like candy. - E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes or vapes are battery-operated devices that heat liquid into a gas. Vapes come in all sizes and shapes, and they typically have nicotine. Vapes are still new, so more research is needed to understand the health effects of using them.
No tobacco product is safe
Vaping, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products have nicotine, which is addictive. These products also often contain other harmful chemicals. No form of tobacco is safe. All forms of tobacco products – smoked and smokeless – are linked to cancer.
Vapes have been promoted to help people quit smoking, but they are not an approved way to help you quit smoking. What’s more, people who vape usually end up going back to smoking.
Make a plan to quit
Quitting tobacco products is one of the best things you can do for your health. There are so many reasons to stop smoking, and having a plan can help you stay on track and quit for good.
Here are 5 steps to follow as you work to quit smoking:
- Pick a date to quit. Picking a date gives you time to prepare and helps motivate you to take action.
- Make a list of all the things smoking is costing you. Consider the financial, emotional, and health costs of smoking. These can include the money you spend on cigarettes or medical bills.
- List your reasons for quitting. Whether it’s to improve your health or protect your family from second-hand smoke, write down every reason. This list will keep you motivated.
- Know your triggers. Identify the situations, people, and places that increase your urge to smoke. Develop a plan to avoid these triggers or manage them without using tobacco.
- Set yourself up for success. Prepare by removing all tobacco products from your home, car, workplace, and any other places you visit regularly. Tell your family and friends about your plan to quit so they can support you.
These steps can guide you toward a tobacco-free life, improving your health and life.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/health-risks-of-tobacco/health-risks-of-smoking-tobacco.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/health-risks-of-tobacco/smokeless-tobacco.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/health-risks-of-tobacco/health-risks-of-e-cigarettes.html
https://stopswithme.com/vaping-vs-smoking-whats-the-truth/#:~:text=Both%20traditional%20cigarettes%20and%20vapes,clean%E2%80%9D%20way%20to%20quit%20smoking.
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/index.html
