Quit Smoking! WHO Releases First-Ever Treatment Guidelines to Stop Tobacco Usage in Adults

The World Health Organisation has recently published its first-ever guidelines for treatment of cessation of tobacco.

Smoking is an addiction that requires utmost determination to quit. Smoking is one of the common forms of usage of tobacco. Tobacco possess several cancer-causing chemicals and has adverse effect on overall body. According to data by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Over 60 percent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users – more than 750 million people – wish to quit, yet 70 percent lack access to effective cessation services. This time, WHO has released its first ever treatment guidelines to stop the consumption of tobacco. The recommendations are for all adults who wish to let go of consumption of tobacco in any form.

“The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction,” said Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. “These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.”

5 Keypoints From WHO’s Treatment Guidelines

1. The recommendations are relevant for all adults seeking to quit various tobacco products, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
2. WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), bupropion, and cytisine as effective treatments for tobacco cessation.
3. According to the guidelines, the authorities have also listed behavioural interventions, including brief health worker counselling (30 seconds to 3 minutes) to be offered routinely in health-care settings.
4. There should be more intensive behavioural support (individual, group, or phone counselling) for interested users.
5. Additionally, digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programmes can be used as adjuncts or self-management tools.