Quitting smoking strengthens psychological health

“World No Tobacco Day”, celebrated every year on May 31, draws attention not only to the harms of tobacco products, but also to false beliefs about addiction. Memorial Antalya Hospital Psychiatrist Dr. Fatma Arkaz stated that quitting smoking has positive effects on both physical and psychological health, and emphasized that this process can be made easier with the right information and support.

Quitting Smoking Reduces Anxiety, Improves Quality of Life

According to Specialist Dr. Arkaz, individuals who want to quit smoking may initially experience short-term mood swings. However, long-term scientific studies have shown that people who quit smoking experience significant decreases in their depression, anxiety and stress levels. At the same time, an increase in life satisfaction and positive mood is observed. Arkaz, who said that psychological well-being strengthens over time, drew attention to the fact that individuals who quit smoking develop the ability to cope with stress and their self-confidence increases.

Tobacco Addiction Is Not a Willpower Problem, It Is a Health Problem

Addressing the false beliefs widely accepted in society, Dr. Fatma Arkaz emphasized that tobacco addiction is not a matter of willpower but a health problem. Therefore, Arkaz pointed out the importance of individuals seeking professional support without feeling guilty and said, “Awareness days such as World No Tobacco Day can be an important turning point to begin the process of quitting.”

Arkaz, who stated that the idea that smoking has a stress-reducing effect is scientifically incorrect, said that nicotine creates a temporary sense of relief, but that this feeling is actually due to the elimination of nicotine withdrawal. Arkaz, who stated that nicotine increases stress reactions in the brain in the long term and damages the body's natural stress management system, said that cortisol levels are high in individuals who smoke and anxiety disorders are more common.

Psychological and Behavioral Dynamics Behind Addiction

Emphasizing that nicotine has a strong addictive effect on the brain, Arkaz said, “A smoking habit that is started for pleasure can turn into addiction in a very short time.” The expert stated that smoking is not only a physical addiction but also a psychological and behavioral addiction, and said that pairing smoking with daily routines such as drinking tea and coffee and taking breaks further reinforces the habit.

Fear of Weight Gain Should Not Prevent You from Quitting Smoking

Noting that some individuals may experience slight weight gain during the smoking cessation process, Specialist Dr. Fatma Arkaz said that this situation is not permanent and can be prevented. Stating that nicotine has a limited effect on metabolism, Arkaz said that weight control is possible with proper eating habits and regular physical activity.

Reducing Smoking Is Not Enough, Quitting It Completely Is Necessary

Dr. Arkaz stated that although reducing the number of cigarettes may provide some short-term benefits, complete cessation is essential for permanent health gains, and reminded that even smoking just one cigarette a day seriously increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The expert, who stated that reducing cigarette consumption does not eliminate nicotine addiction, emphasized that the goal must be complete cessation.

Electronic Cigarettes Are Not Innocent Either

Arkaz, who stated that the idea that electronic cigarettes, which have become widespread especially among young people, are less harmful than traditional cigarettes is misleading, stated that these devices also contain nicotine and their addictive effect continues. The expert, who drew attention to the fact that the long-term effects of the flavorings and chemicals used in electronic cigarettes are still not clear, drew attention to the fact that these products are creating a new generation of addiction.

Tobacco Addiction Can Be Overcome With Determination and Support

Specialist Dr. Fatma Arkaz reminded that tobacco addiction can be overcome with the right information, professional support and determination, and said, “These special days are the most suitable times to leave harmful habits behind.” Stating that quitting smoking has a positive effect not only on physical but also on psychological health, Arkaz invited individuals to be courageous in this regard and not hesitate to seek support.

Source: UAV