Can a 35-year old male quit smoking completely?

Question

Hi doctor,

A 35-year-old male smoker presents seeking guidance on quitting smoking. He reports smoking 15 to 20 cigarettes daily for the past 12 years and has tried quitting several times without success.

He experiences a chronic cough, shortness of breath on exertion, and occasional wheezing. He is aware of the risks of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but finds it difficult to quit due to nicotine dependence.

He expresses concern about withdrawal symptoms, weight gain, and stress management during the quitting process.

He is motivated to adopt healthier lifestyle habits and seeks support through counseling, behavioral therapy, and pharmacological aids such as nicotine replacement therapy or medications like Bupropion or Varenicline.

He wants guidance on setting a quit date, tracking progress, and joining community programs or support groups. He also seeks advice on preventing relapse and developing coping strategies for social situations.

His family history includes cardiovascular disease in his father, which further increases his motivation to quit. He is committed to long-term smoking cessation to improve his health and quality of life.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It is excellent that you are motivated to quit smoking- this is the most important step toward protecting your lungs, heart, and overall health.

Nicotine causes both physical and psychological addiction, which is why quitting feels difficult. Cravings, irritability, and restlessness are normal but temporary withdrawal symptoms that fade within a few weeks.

Choose a quit date within the next two to three weeks. Inform family and friends for support. Remove cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your surroundings.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like patches, gums, or lozenges, can help reduce cravings safely.

Bupropion or Varenicline helps decrease withdrawal symptoms and make cigarettes less satisfying. They should be taken under medical supervision.

Join a smoking cessation program or counseling group. These greatly improve success rates. Learn to identify triggers (such as stress or social gatherings) and plan alternatives, such as deep breathing, chewing gum, or drinking water.

Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of fluids to help your body detoxify. If you are concerned about weight gain, focus on physical activity and eat small, frequent meals.

If you slip and smoke again, do not give up. Treat it as a learning experience, not a failure. Keep tracking your progress and reward yourself for achieving smoke-free milestones.

With willpower, medication, and support, most smokers can quit successfully. Within weeks, your breathing, energy, and sense of taste will improve, and your long-term risk of heart and lung disease will drop dramatically.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.