10 MYTHS ABOUT SMOKING
Let’s clear the air! Here are 10 common myths about smoking, quitting and the facts behind them.
- It’s never too late to quit. The body begins recovering after stopping smoking.
- Weight gain isn’t inevitable. Healthy eating and physical activity can help manage it.
- Cold turkey isn’t the only option. Nicotine replacement therapy and counselling can improve quit success.
- There is no “safe” amount of smoking. Even occasional smoking carries health risks.
- Smoking doesn’t truly relieve stress. It mainly relieves nicotine withdrawal temporarily.
- Quitting doesn’t inherently worsen mental health. Withdrawal symptoms can temporarily feel like anxiety, irritability, or low mood.
- Every pregnancy is different. Smoking in a previous pregnancy without an obvious complication does not make smoking safe in another pregnancy.
- Quitting during pregnancy is beneficial. Stopping protects both the pregnant person and baby.
- Vaping isn’t harmless. E-cigarette aerosol can contain nicotine and other potentially harmful substances, and long-term effects remain uncertain.
- Tobacco and alcohol risks can overlap. People experiencing alcohol dependence have higher smoking rates, making tobacco cessation an important part of reducing health risks.
For counselling and support, please contact:
STOP Program
Community Health Services
MCA Department of Health
31 Hilltop Drive, Kaná:takon
Akwesasne, QC H0M 1A0
Phone: 613-575-2341 ext. 3220
Email: communityhealth@akwesasne.ca