“I’ve smoked for years. Can I really quit now?” Many smokers believe it’s too late, or that quitting is impossible because they’ve tried before and failed. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains that anyone can quit smoking, at any age, and that the right support makes success far more likely.

Why quitting feels so hard. Cigarettes and bidis contain nicotine, which is addictive. When you stop, the body reacts with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, poor concentration, increased appetite and strong cravings. These symptoms are strongest in the first few days and gradually settle over a few weeks. Habits linked to smoking, like smoking with tea, after meals or during stress, also make quitting difficult. This is not a lack of willpower. It’s a real addiction that can be treated.

It’s never too late. Your body starts healing quickly.

• Within a day, carbon monoxide levels in the blood fall and oxygen levels improve.
• Within a few weeks to months, breathing becomes easier and coughing reduces.
• After one year, the risk of heart disease drops to about half that of a smoker.
• Over the years, the risk of lung cancer, COPD, stroke and other diseases keeps falling.

How to quit successfully:

1. Set a quit date within the next two weeks and tell family and friends, so they can support you.
2. Remove cigarettes, bidis, lighters and ashtrays from your home, car and workplace.
3. Identify your triggers, such as tea, stress, alcohol or friends who smoke, and plan alternatives like a short walk, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum.
4. Use medical help. Nicotine replacement therapy (gum, lozenges or patches) and prescription medicines reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and can double your chances of success. Take them under a doctor’s guidance.
5. Don’t switch to other tobacco. Gutka, khaini, hookah and e-cigarettes are not safe alternatives.
6. Don’t give up after a slip. Most people need more than one attempt. A slip is not a failure; learn from it and continue.

Smoking cessation support at Rudrax Chest Clinic. Dr. Dipak Viradia offers a dedicated smoking cessation programme, including counselling, medicines to manage cravings, and lung function testing to check the effect of smoking on your lungs. You can also call India’s National Tobacco Quitline at 1800-11-2356 for free support.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com