Adult smoking cessation-a campaign to stop smoking-is widespread in a global scale in an attempt to convince smokers of the impending health problems that they have in old age. This includes advertising campaigns, smoking restrictions in several areas, and government back-up in terms of placing stern warnings on the very packaging of cigarettes. There are studies that show percentages or statistics of people who have successfully stopped or quit smoking using different methodologies. According to these studies, only three percent are likely to be successful in quitting by sheer will power. And this is also dependent on the number of years the person has smoked. The reason behind this is because addiction to nicotine has become part of the physiological system of man; it is not psychological anymore.



The focus of adult smoking cessation campaigns is on the personal well-being of smokers. The environmental concern only serves as an add-on. Many researchers claim that stopping smoking in early adulthood may add up to ten years in the life expectancy of individuals and up to three years for people who stop smoking at the age of 60. It is also noted that many quit-smoking programs show individuals what happens to their bodies on a day-by-day basis. This way, quitters will have proper expectations to the physical, behavioral, emotional, and physiological changes that they may experience during the withdrawal.

It is understood that several attempts at adult smoking cessation proved futile. Many adults go back to smoking after several days. The issue here is that they do not receive adequate support from families and peers. They also do not receive medical advice from a professional who has expertise on quitting. As a result, they are left practically helpless in trying to combat the withdrawal symptoms that they experience.

The short-term symptoms may be difficult to combat if quitting is done alone without any financial, especially moral, support for someone trying to quit. People who try to quit normally experience depression and anxiety. The feel restless and have difficulty concentrating. The mental and cognitive functions are affected so as physical systems. There is a noticeable increase in appetite and mouth sores may also develop. The person trying to quit will also notice that he will gain weight soon. In terms of behavior, quitting may result to frequent irritable behavior not commonly present in the same situation when smokers are still having their normal dosage of nicotine.

Approaches in adult smoking cessation vary. Many people advise that quitting cold turkey or abruptly stopping the habit is a very effective approach to quitting as opposed to approaches that use medication and nicotine replacement. There are other approaches like becoming a club member and sharing best practices with other individuals who are also quitting. There are also counselors that can provide medial advice.

Adult smoking cessation has led many to live normal and healthy lives. The benefits of quitting are endless. It is never too late to quit, as opposed to common mentality that if a person is old, there are little or no gain at all.